Bob Layton: What if you were to blame for a massive wildfire?

So, here we are getting deeper into wildfire season — a time when people come out of their homes near forested areas and suddenly see a wall of smoke with a baseboard of fire on Hell’s horizon.

I have never been through it, so I can’t imagine being told I need to evacuate quickly and have to make some terrible decisions about what I can fit into my car and what I’m going to have to leave behind.

READ MORE: Alberta wildfire evacuee says she’s more concerned about firefighters than what she left behind

We’ve all seen both ends of the wildfire spectrum, the total destruction of homes, people trying to outrun the flames and firefighters putting their lives on the fire-line.

And then we’ve seen the open arms of people offering beds and food and pet care and the kind of unconditional love that asks nothing in return.

READ MORE: ‘We just step in’: Volunteer effort gears up as B.C. wildfire situation escalates

There is another disconcerting angle to all of this.

I have a letter from Alan, who driving home the other night, saw six incidents of people throwing cigarettes from cars. Six times — and those are only the ones he saw.

I know many new cars do not come with ashtrays. I also know they are available if you ask.

The experts tell us many fires are human-caused.

READ MORE: Two new human-caused wildfires in the B.C. Interior

Imagine. What if you were responsible for one of these fires?