Two separate investigations by officers with the Resource Enforcement Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture have resulted in convictions and fines against two individuals, for violations of provincial Forest Fire Regulations.

Kevin Power of Cupids was convicted and fined $500 in Provincial Court at Harbour Grace on October 12, 2022, for lighting a fire on or within 300 meters of forest land during the 2022 forest fire season without a permit to burn, contrary to Section 3 of the Forest Fire Regulations.

Barbara Thomson of Harbour Main was convicted and fined $500 in Provincial Court at Harbour Grace on January 11, 2023, for lighting a fire on or within 300 meters of forest land during the 2022 forest fire season without a permit to burn, contrary to Section 3 of the Forest Fire Regulations.

Both individuals were charged as a result of investigations into forest fires in Brigus and Harbour Main on May 11, 2022. Resource Enforcement Officers determined that the forest fires had originated from fires that both individuals admitted to lighting for the purpose of burning debris. Provincial forest firefighters, water bombers and local fire departments had to be called to extinguish the fires.

The public can report suspected illegal or suspicious activity anonymously at any time, by calling 1-877-820-0999 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous reports can also be submitted online at www.nlcrimestoppers.com or www.stoppoaching.ca.

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