Careless burning destroys cottages, results in fine

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

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(March 6, 2012) - A Sault Ste. Marie area man has been fined $2,000 after pleading guilty to failing to keep a fire under control and unlawfully starting a fire without a permit under the Forest Fires Prevention Act. 

The fire destroyed two cottages on Pineshores Road, north of the city.
 
Nick Ochman was also ordered to pay $7,400 to cover fire suppression costs incurred by the Ministry of Natural Resources while extinguishing the fire.
 
Court heard that on May 15, 2011, a Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officer conducted a fire investigation on Pineshores Road in Fenwick Township.

He discovered that Ochman was burning wood debris and leaf litter at his waterfront cottage during a period of high winds and within the fire season when daytime burning is not permitted.
 
The fire subsequently spread, resulting in the destruction of the Ochman cottage and a neighbouring waterfront cottage.
 
As a result of the fire, Goulais River Fire Department, Aweres Fire Department, Sault Ste. Marie ambulance, Algoma Power Hydro, Ontario Provincial Police and Ministry of Natural Resources fire rangers were dispatched.
 
Justice of the Peace Phillip Stanghetta heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Sault Ste. Marie, on March 1, 2012.
 
The fire season in Ontario is from April 1 to October 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.

Visit here for more information.

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).

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