'We mean business': N.L. hikes fees and prison time for violating provincewide fire ban

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newfoundland dog and Labrador is drastically increasing fines and prison house time for those who violate the provincewide fire ban as wildfires continue to burn across the island. 

Earlier this week, Premier John Hogan said he felt the fines were too low and would be subsequently increased, which he revealed on Friday.

Fines now range from $50,000 to $150,000, as well as up to a year in prison.

"It's very clear that these penalties for violating the regulations needed to be higher, and everyone needs to take this seriously," Hogan said.

"I think it's very clear that the size of the increases and the penalties, including imprisonment, that we mean business."

A first offence was previously a $75 fine. That's now $50,000, and imprisonment in default of payment will increase from three days up to six months.

Hogan said subsequent offences will increase from to $75,000, and possible imprisonment up to six months.

Breaking the fire ban? Prepare to pay up to $150k and face prison time, as N.L. Government stiffens penalties

In cases where a summons is issued, Hogan said a first offence fine will range from $55,000 to $100,000, and jail time between three months to up to one year.

Subsequent offences are now $75,000 to $150,000 and defaulting on a payment could see up to a year in a jail.

Hogan said reports are still coming in of people setting fires.

"And in some cases, setting fire intentionally. I don't know the word I can use to say how I feel about this, beyond troubled and frustrated that this is reckless and irresponsible behaviour," he said.

A major fire burning near Kingston in Conception Bay North is still very active, Hogan said. The most recent estimate has the fire at 2,875 hectares.

Two fire breaks are being built to slow the growth of that fire, one kilometre in length each. Three water bombers, three helicopters and ground crew members are on the scene.

The fire in Holyrood remains around 22 hectares. Hogan said a helicopter and grounds crews are on site.

To the west, Hogan said the Martin Lake fire had a slight increase through Thursday and stands around 230 hectares. Hogan said government is still monitoring the Bay d'Espoir Highway for possible closures.

A water bomber, three air tractors and helicopters are working on that fire, and work is underway to build a fire break on the south side.

Newfoundland and Labrador will also more assistance from outside of the province. Firefighters from Ontario will arrive over the weekend and military assistance is also coming. Quebec is sending two water bombers on Saturday, and two more water bombers and a bird dog on Sunday.

"So a massive increase to our air assets over the weekend, which will obviously help a great deal," Hogan said.

There have been 28 fires this week, not counting the three out-of-control wildfires and the previous fire in Chance Harbour and Musgrave Harbour.

"People are stressed and tired as is. The more fires that crop up, the more strained the resources are going to be and the more risk the province will be at," said Hogan.

Provincial fire duty officer Mark Lawlor said preventative measures began in the morning to contain the growth of the fire in Conception Bay North — the largest of the three fires.

"The fire is still moving."

On Thursday, a water bomber was diverted from Kingston to a separate fire on the Burin Peninsula.

Lawlor said that fire is now considered as held and people will be back on site Friday.

"That one we're feeling pretty comfortable with," he said.

But officials are still dealing with unnecessary problems. 

On Friday morning, the St. John's Regional Fire Department said it was called to six bonfires overnight, despite a provincewide fire ban in effect.

Environment Canada has two weather alerts in effect for the province, with a special air quality statement remaining in effect for the north and northeastern Avalon Peninsula.

A heat warning is also in effect for eastern and central Newfoundland regions, as well as parts of Labrador.

Meteorologist Hailey Wigmore advised people people to drink water often, close their blinds and shades, as well as use a fan or stay in a cooler part of the home.

She added the light winds are bringing Kingston fire smoke and haze over the St. John's region for Friday.

"Looking ahead, there's not really any appreciable rain," she said. "So it's pretty much these dry conditions for at least the next little bit into the future."

Mark Ploughman, a councillor for Small Point-Adam's Cove-Blackhead-Broad Cove, the big change in the Kingston fire forced an evacuation order for Salmon Cove and Ochre Pit Cove.

The evacuation centre has moved from Persalvic School Complex in Victoria to Carbonear Academy in Carbonear, which he said is a larger and newer facility.

"Things are running pretty smoothly there, from what I saw," said Ploughman.

He said people are still facing uncertainty and are stressed because they don't know when the evacuation order will be lifted and they'll be able to go home.

Reporter

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