Shuniah – NEWS – At approximately 11:00pm on May 9, 2016, an open-air bonfire was reported on the east side of the Municipality. Upon arrival, a controlled fire was discovered and was being tended to by the resident. The fire was extinguished without incident.
As the fire was during a Restricted Fire Zone, the resident was issued a fine of $630 including victim surcharge for starting fire during a Restricted Fire Zone.
This is a reminder that after a Restricted Fire Zone is declared, it is illegal to set out or maintain a fire for any purpose within the affected area, and failure to comply could result in a fine up to $1000, 3 months in jail, and financial responsibility for any costs incurred in fighting a forest fire caused by the illegal act.
More information regarding the Restricted Fire Zone can be found on our website at shuniahfire.com/emergency or on the Ontario Ministry website at Ontario.ca/forestfire.