A 亚洲天堂 Lake resident, residing on Francois Lake road, has been slapped with fines exceeding $1,500 after igniting a fire that swept across nearly 6 hectares on May 19, despite the active fire ban in place. 
Community members reported that the individual ignited his hay field, triggering a swift response from emergency services.
Prompt notifications to the authorities led to the mobilization of multiple emergency response teams, including the Chinook Emergency Response (CER) and the Northwest Fire Centre. Scott Zayac of CER verified their involvement, noting the timely report from a  community member to the BC Wildfire Service. 
BC Wildfire crews promptly extinguished the flames, which covered an estimated 5.9 hectares, said Northwest Fire Centre spokesperson Morgan Blois. T

The suspected human origin of the fire has initiated an ongoing investigation, Blois said.

After responding to the incident, Conservation Officers issued two fines. The man was issued a fine for breaching the Environmental Management Act, resulting in a $575 penalty, and another for violating the Wildfire Act, carrying a $1150 fine.Using the incident as a warning, Zayac noted the crucial need for compliance with burning restrictions and emphasized the necessity of having fire suppression equipment and water readily accessible when permitted to burn. 
As the wildfire season approaches, authorities are asking community members to exercise caution and prioritize safety measures that are essential to mitigate the potential risks of catastrophic wildfires.
For the latest updates, individuals are encouraged to visit the BC Wildfire Service's website and social media platforms.