Mounties in Prince George, B.C., have put a warning out to smokers after getting several reports of people throwing lit cigarettes out of their vehicles.
To avoid sparking wildfires, drivers are instead asked to completely extinguish cigarettes and keep the butts in an appropriate container within their cars.
"The number of forest fires in our province are increasing and crews are already busy trying to control and extinguish these fires," Const. Lesley Smith said in a release.
"We need to remind the public to think before their careless act creates a devastating effect in our area."
The current fire danger rating is either ‘high' or ‘extreme' through most of the Prince George fire centre.
Police will follow up on all reports of discarded cigarettes, Smith said, and pursue fines of $81 for littering.
If a cigarette butt starts a forest fire, criminal charges will be considered, she warned.
