A Langford man who started a fire at Thetis Lake to dry his wet pants now faces a $1,150 fine, says West Shore RCMP.<\/p>\n
Mounties say that around 1 p.m. on Thursday, West Shore RCMP responded to a call of a male starting a fire at Thetis Lake Regional Park in View Royal.<\/p>\n
The View Royal Fire Department arrived on scene and quickly extinguished the small brush fire.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 38-year-old Langford man had started the fire in an attempt to dry his wet pants. He was educated on the campfire ban and the dangers of setting such a fire in our current dry conditions,\u201d states West Shore RCMP.<\/p>\n
He was also issued a $1,150 fine under the Wildfire Act for Failing to Comply with Fire Restrictions, Sec. 10(4).<\/p>\n
\u201cWith extremely dry conditions and a campfire ban in effect, even a small spark can lead to a devastating wildfire,\u201d states Const. Kelsi Yoxall, West Shore RCMP spokesperson.<\/p>\n
This is not the first time a fire has sparked in the popular swimming and hiking area.<\/p>\n
In the summer of 2022, Thetis Lake Regional Park closed temporarily after a fire started, calling on the View Royal Fire Department and BC Wildfire to keep it from spreading. <\/p>\n
In the summer of 2023, a brush fire sparked at Thetis Lake, with hot and dry conditions, residents who lived nearby were shaken by the incident. <\/p>\n
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Yoxall is reminding the public to respect the ban.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are asking everyone to do their part and respect the ban \u2013 it\u2019s about protecting our communities and the natural spaces we are so lucky to enjoy in the West Shore.\u201d<\/p>\n
More information about wildfire prevention and safety can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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