Man faces $150k fine, charges for allegedly setting brush fires in St. John's
Posted on: Aug 06, 2025 02:40 IST | Posted by: Cbc
A 20-year-old adult male has been fined $150,000 and supercharged with fire-raising with neglect of human lifespan following a string of brush fires in downtown St. John's on Tuesday night.
The man will appear in court on Thursday.
Police and firefighters responded to at least four fires in the span of a few blocks on Lemarchant Road and New Gower Street between 10:30 p.m. And 12:30 a.m. NT.
There were no injuries reported or damage to buildings.
"The investigation is ongoing in consultation with resource enforcement officers of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture," reads a media release from the RNC.
Speaking at a news conference on Thursday morning, Premier John Hogan said the man was slapped with three $50,000 fines.
"It just continues to be unbelievable," Hogan said. "Just shocked and surprised that someone would do something like that on any day, but given the situation we're in right now ... To intentionally set a fire that needed assets ... Is just kind of unthinkable and I can't really get my head around why somebody would want to do that."
The fires were set as the province struggled with several out-of-control wildfires, including one at Paddy's Pond on the outskirts of St. John's.
The man could have faced even tougher punishment, as the province recently jacked up the penalties for starting fires during the provincewide fire ban to a range of $50,000 to $150,000.
Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, St. John's Regional Fire Department Chief Sherry Colford said crews were able to respond quickly, but she said it's worrying to see people intentionally starting fires.
St. John's Mayor Danny Breen said the person responsible for the fires created a unnecessarily dangerous situation.
"Knock it off," Breen said. "There's no need for this right now."
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.