Compliance and Enforcement officers from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations patrolled north and central Okanagan recreational spots May 18-19 to help residents and visitors enjoy a safe and peaceful long weekend.

Officers conducted numerous patrols of campsites, forest service roads and recreational sites throughout the Thompson Okanagan region and were joined by RCMP and conservation officers in some areas of the North Okanagan.

The patrols covered about 800 kilometres of roads and officers met with approximately 200 members of the public. While the vast majority of people were co-operative, seven violation tickets were issued or are pending.

They included:

• Four $345 tickets for using an ATV on a forest service road without the required insurance (three issued, one pending).

• One $115 ticket for failing to comply with an order to vacate a site.

• One $173 ticket for unauthorized use of a forest service road.

• One $115 ticket for excessive vehicle speed (greater than 20 km/h) in a recreation site (pending).

Several warning tickets were also issued, including:

• Failure to maintain a vehicle.

• Cutting, removing or damaging Crown timber.

• Use of a forest service road without the required insurance.

In addition, one warning ticket was issued under the Wildfire Act for lighting fuel or using fuel in violation of the regulations.

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.

Learn More:

For the latest information on fire activity, conditions and prohibitions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website: www.bcwildfire.ca

To report a wildfire, dial *5555 on your cellphone or call toll-free to 1 800 663-5555.

Contacts:

Kyle Beadman
Supervisor - Compliance and Enforcement
Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 260-4612 (Vernon)

Brennan Clarke
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261 (Victoria)