Despite stiffened penalties, the St. John’s Regional Fire Department continued to respond to illegal bonfires over the weekend.
Crews responded to three illegal fires yesterday, all of which have been reported to the authorities.
Last week, government increased the penalties for starting a fire during the province-wide ban with fines starting at $50,000 and going as high as $150,000. The penalty also could include between six months and one year in prison.
Violators can also be on the hook for the cost of dousing the fires in addition to the fines.
A frustrated Premier John Hogan continues to stress the importance of abiding by the rules.
He says volunteers have been working around the clock to keep the province safe, and residents need to adhere to the ban.
