Compliance and Enforcement staff inspected more than 50 campfires at Shuswap Lake during the B.C. Day long weekend, but didn't have to issue one violation ticket.

Virtually all 50 campfires complied with B.C.'s Wildfire Act and Regulation, with the majority of them under the maximum size of a half-metre tall by a half-metre wide.

Only four warnings were issued for minor infractions of the Wildfire Act, including a bonfire that was ordered extinguished by BC Parks staff within Shuswap Lake Provincial Park.

The long weekend patrols were conducted in conjunction with the Shuswap Lake Integrated Planning Process team, which brings together related government agencies including BC Parks, the BC Conservation Officer Service, Transport Canada, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the RCMP.

Ignoring B.C.'s campfire regulations can result in a $345 fine. Anyone who causes a wildfire through arson or recklessness can be fined up to $1 million and/or spend three years in prison.

For the latest information of wildfires, bans and restrictions check, http://bcforestfireinfo.gov.bc.ca.

Media Contact:

Cheekwan Ho
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261