A Minnesota man was fined $250 and ordered to pay an additional $4,000 for part of the cost of putting out a forest fire he caused.
Kevin Keeney, 50, of Grand Rapids, Mn., pleaded guilty to failing to keep a fire under control.
Court was told that on April 28, Keeney started a fire on his property 20 km northwest of Fort Frances in Dance Township.
When the fire grew out of control, the Ministry of Natural Resources sent in a waterbomber and FireRanger ground crews by helicopter to put it out.
Justice of the Peace Pat Clysdale-Cornell heard the case Aug. 24 in Fort Frances.
The ministry reminds the public that protecting Ontario’s forests from fires requires caution and extreme care. A person should not leave a fire unattended and must make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving.
A person found responsible for causing a forest fire can be ordered to pay the costs of extinguishing it.
To report a natural resource violation, call toll-free 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) any time or contact your local MNR office during regular business hours.
You also can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
