Firefighters respond to illegal fire at former Abasand mine site

Fort McMurray firefighters responded to an illegal fire in Abasand at the site of a former oil sands plant on Sunday night, May 18.

A pumper team was dispatched shortly after 10 p.m. and found a large garbage fire inside the concrete remnants of a former mine building. Firefighters were able to quickly put out the fire.

Regional Emergency Services reminds everyone that illegal fires in wooded areas and trails can cause destructive wildfires. Open-air campfires are strictly prohibited within the limits of Fort McMurray. The forest area is also currently under a fire restriction, which prohibits outdoor fires on public lands.

Under the Outdoor Fire Bylaw, the fine for starting an illegal fire on Municipal land is $1,200. Penalties can be much higher if firefighting response costs are included in sentencing.

Municipal littering fines can also total more than $1,000. It’s important to note that under provincial laws, anyone caught dumping garbage on public lands can be ordered to remediate the land any may face additional fines.