Press Release
A Thunder Bay man has been fined $1,000 for dropping a lit cigarette in a wooded area.
Eric McKee pleaded guilty under the Forest Fires Prevention Act.
Court heard that last July 12, Ontario FireRangers and two waterbombers were dispatched and extinguished a forest fire on a Shebandowan Lake island, about 80 km west of Thunder Bay.
A joint investigation by the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Enforcement and Aviation Forest Fire and Emergency Services branches determined the fire originated from the same location where McKee threw his lit cigarette earlier that day.
Justice of the Peace Bruce Leaman heard the case Feb. 19 in Thunder Bay.
The public is reminded that it is illegal to drop and not extinguish a cigarette, or other smoking material, within 300 metres of a forest or woodland during the fire season.
In some conditions, even the smallest spark can start a forest fire.
More information is available at ontario.ca/fireprevention.
To report a natural resources 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 anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
