Sudbury man pleads guilty to sparking forest fire

A Sudbury area man has been fined $500 after pleading guilty to charges under the Forest Fire Prevention Act that included failing to keep a fire under control and unlawfully starting a fire outdoors more than two hours before sunset.

Michael St. Amand was also ordered to pay $5,000 toward fire suppression costs incurred by the Ministry of Natural Resources while extinguishing the fire, according to a news release.

Court heard that on May 7, 2011, MNR FireRangers responded to a report of a forest fire at Appelo Lake, in Marshay Township.

An investigation revealed that St. Amand had been burning wood debris and other waste material in a burning barrel during daytime hours when burning is not permitted. The lack of an adequate spark screen and a hole in the barrel allowed sparks to escape which resulted in a forest fire.

MNR fire rangers were flown to the site to fight the fire and with the support of a CL 215 water bomber were able to put it out.

Justice of the Peace Pierre Leclerc heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Gogama, on June 25.

The fire season in Ontario is from April 1 to Oct. 31. Daytime burning is not permitted during the fire season. Fires can be ignited no earlier than two hours before sunset and must be extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise.

Never leave your fire unattended, the MNR advises. To report a forest fire, call 310-FIRE (3473).

To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Posted by Arron Pickard