Here's what penalties you may face if you choose to ignore an evacuation order during B.C.'s wildfire season
It's an issue frustrating firefighters during what has already been a challenging wildfire season: people are defying evacuation orders, then needing to be rescued.
Earlier this week, the B.C. Wildfire Service said firefighters have had to be pulled from the front lines at least four times to rescue residents who shouldn't have been home.
This season has been unusually busy, with 1,250 fires reported since the season began, and resources are spread thin as it is.
Those who choose to defy orders often do so to protect their property, whether from the fires themselves or from looters who take advantage of empty homes. Some may also decide to stay home to keep livestock safe, or for other reasons.
In some cases, those who've been rescued appeared to have an escape route, if needed, then found that route blocked suddenly by flames.
In addition to the safety risks, those who choose to ignore the plea can also face penalties, including time behind bars.
B.C. is currently in a provincial state of emergency due to the fires, meaning those caught violating orders can be found in contravention of the Emergency Program Act.
The act outlines offences as those to defy regulations or interfere or obstruct "any person in the exercise of any power or the performance of any duty conferred or imposed under this act."
Similar to what residents of the province saw when B.C. was in a state of emergency over COVID-19 – fines issued for parties, not wearing a mask, and other violations of provincial health orders – until the state is called off, their actions can be considered an offence.
And those convicted can be sentenced to up to a year in prison, the act states.
They can also be fined up to $10,000, or be sentenced to both imprisonment and the fine.
It can be a difficult and emotional decision to leave home when ordered to do so, knowing what one leaving may not be there when they return, but firefighters are urging the public to follow orders anyway to ensure they, and first responders, stay safe.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Snow-covered bodies of 2 men from Senegal found in New York woods near Canadian border
Two men from Senegal froze to death were found in the snow of a wooded area close to the Canadian border, New York state police said.
For years she thought her son had died of an overdose. The police video changed all that
Austin Hunter Turner died in 2017, on a night that his mother has rewound and replayed again and again, trying to make sense of what happened.
This historical tavern in Toronto is closing after nearly 200 years
An historic downtown Toronto bar is closing its doors next week after nearly 200 years in business.
Vancouver rapper falls on ice during Canucks game performance
The Vancouver Canucks weren’t the only ones who stumbled during Thursday night’s game against the Dallas Stars.
Niagara Region 'proactively' declares state of emergency ahead of total solar eclipse
Niagara Region says it has declared a state of emergency 'out of an abundance of caution' as it prepares for an influx of visitors for next month’s total solar eclipse.
Ontario homeowner on the hook for $27,000 when contractor severed power line
An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been locked in a battle with his electricity provider for a year and half over a severed power line.
Montreal doctors' breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope
A breakthrough discovery made by doctors at the Montreal Children's Hospital about the causes of cerebral palsy is giving new hope to one West Island family.
Feeling older than you are? It could be how you sleep
Not getting enough sleep may cause you to feel five to 10 years older than you really are, according to two new studies.
Social media can alter children's brains and impact mental health: neuroscientist
Neuroscientist Emma Duerden says social media can alter children's brains and have negative impacts on their mental health.