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
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Her fiance has been in prison for 49 years. She's trying to free him before it’s too late
She was lying in bed on a Thursday morning, thinking about the man she loved, hoping to win his freedom before time ran out.