Some Old Guy 968 Report post Posted January 3, 2007 HEARST- Four 17-year-old Hearst youths pleaded guilty to a charge of starting a fire and failing to ensure it was out, contrary to the Forest Fires Prevention Act. The four were fined a total of $1,000. Each youth was sentenced to six months on probation. The court heard that on June 14, 2006, the youths started a campfire next to the Valentine River between Pivabiska and Wolverine Lakes in Hanlan Township, north of Hearst. They failed to ensure the fire was extinguished when they left the area. Weather conditions allowed the camp fire to grow into a wildfire known as Hearst Fire Number 12 that covered two-fifths of a hectare. A Ministry of Natural Resources fire crew and a waterbomber were required to suppress it. The area near the fire is a popular cottage and recreation area for Hearst residents. Justice of the Peace Jean-Marie Blier heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Hearst, on December 12, 2006. The ministry reminds the public that fighting forest fires costs millions of dollars each year. In an average year, about 200,000 hectares of forest lands are burned - equal to about 375,000 football fields. Campfires are the cause of a lot of these forest fires. Be responsible with your fire - tend it, control it, and put it out before you leave the site. 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 at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Quote R.T.R. Respect the resource! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites