Up To $50,000 Reward For Information
About Deliberately Set Wildfires

A reward of up to $50,000 is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in deliberately setting wildfires.

While deliberate fires are not always easy to detect, an investigation will often find evidence that reveals some fires are started with intent. Some of these fires have posed an extreme hazard to homes and have become a significant threat to people's safety.

The Forest Service asks recreationalists and others who enjoy the outdoors to always be careful with fire and report any suspicious activities to the RCMP. The Forest Service works with RCMP investigators on suspicious fires and is hoping that this reward will encourage the public to report anything they might see or know about deliberately ignited fires.

The information given to the RCMP is strictly confidential. Administration of the reward is through the Office of the Fire Commissioner that chairs a panel to adjudicate rewards.

Forest Service officials believe that in some cases, fires may be ignited under the false assumption that people from the local area will be hired to fight the fire. The practice of recruiting fire fighters off the street was abandoned in the early 1980's over concerns for the safety of untrained people. Today's fire fighters are well-trained, physically fit men and women. No other personnel are used for fire fighting without appropriate training.

Arson is a criminal offence and is punishable by a severe prison sentence.