Natural resource officers from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations visited a series of recreational spots in the Cariboo Aug. 3-5 to help ensure that residents and visitors enjoyed a safe B.C. Day long weekend.

The officers conducted vehicle and foot patrols of over 20 campsites, wilderness recreation sites and trail systems, covering over 1,800 km near 100 Mile House, Quesnel, Williams Lake and in the Chilcotin.

The officers noted that over 300 people were using the sites that they visited. The vast majority of them were co-operative and were complying with campfire and safety regulations.

However, the officers did issue warnings to some all-terrain vehicle (ATV) users who were driving on forest service roads without the required insurance coverage. Several other ATV users were not wearing helmets. In addition, there were a few infractions related to the consumption of alcohol on a public beach.

The officers also discovered campfires that were left unattended or had been abandoned before they were properly extinguished, and the ashes were cold to the touch.

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

Media Contacts:

Diane Lewthwaite
Compliance and Enforcement Supervisor, 100 Mile House Field Unit
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 395-7884

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