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
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.