People on the western edge of Cochrane were a bit nervous last week when a fire broke out on land just outside of town. Another near Bragg Creek had residents on evacuation alert. While fire crews were quick to contain the blazes and residents and structures were saved from harm, there were tense moments. It's understandable that people would be worried. It was only two years ago that a wildfire ripped through the community of Fort McMurray and memories of the relief efforts and the thousands displaced by the event are still fresh. For 15 months that fire raged causing loss of life, homes and money. In the aftermath, it is the costliest insured natural disaster in this province's history, costing upwards of $9 billion. The fires, at least the one near Cochrane, are also reminders that nearly half of the 1,200 wildfires in Alberta each year are caused by people being careless or are set deliberately. Initial indications of fire west of town are it too was caused by a person or people, either by accident or intentionally. While the latter is obviously the more concerning scenario, neither is excusable. Carelessly discarded cigarettes butts, unattended camp fires and other irresponsible behaviour needs to be dealt with harshly, both by social ostracizing and the law. It must be demonstrated that this type of recklessness and stupidity will no longer be tolerated. Recent news out of Oregon is a perfect example of how the courts should be dealing with people who cause a fire out of negligence or as arson. Earlier this month a judge ordered a 15-year-old teen who pleaded guilty to starting a fire that destroyed 48,000 acres of land to pay $36.6 million in restitution. The boy set fireworks off in a wooded area that led to the blaze. Obviously, the sum will never be paid, but the teen will be required to commit to at least a 10-year payment plan – as long as conditions are met – that will likely cost him tens of thousands of dollars. If that seems harsh then we must remind you of the losses caused by fires such as those in Fort McMurray, the aforementioned Oregon blaze and the thousands more every year. Maybe if people start going to jail or face the loss of their life savings they will begin to see the severity and potential consequences of their actions. When you toss a burning cigarette butt out the window of your car, set off fire works in a tinder dry forest or leave fires burning unattended, you are risking causing widespread destruction. How much is the loss of someone's home worth? How about a dozen homes or an entire community? What if then we throw few lives into the toll? We should not have to calculate the answer. It's time people start acting smarter with fire and if they can't, it's time they start paying the bill for the destruction they cause.
