KELOWNA, BC – As tinder dry conditions prevail under near-record heat in the Okanagan, more residents are calling police over carelessly discarded cigarette butts.
Kelowna RCMP say concerned citizens have called to report butt tossing from vehicles, a complaint they are taking very seriously and will investigate with evidence.
“Time may have faded the memories of some but for those who lost their homes in the Okanagan Mountain Park fire of 2003 or in the wildfires since, those memories will never fade,” says Cst. Kris Clark, spokesperson.
The RCMP can enforce fines both under the Motor Vehicle and Wildfire acts for littering, failing to extinguish and report a fire, dropping a burning substance, failing to comply with restricted area regulations and for lighting a fire against regulations and permit. Cst. Clark states that’s only a partial list of possible charges someone who tosses a cigarette could face.
“Fines under the Wildfire Act may exceed $5,000 and persons found responsible for causing a fire may be subject to a fine of up to $1,000,000 and/or up to three years imprisonment,” says Cst. Clark.
RCMP ask the public to report if they see someone toss a lit cigarette butt out of their car window, including a vehicle licence plate with their information.
A wildfire can be reported by dialing *5555 on a cell, or 1-800-663-5555.
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