Careless use of fireworks near Cobalt that started a forest fire, has resulted in three teens and a 21 year old being charged by police.
On May 23, shortly after 5 p.m., members of the Temiskaming Detachment of the OPP were told that fireworks were being ignited in the bush area of Coleman Township.
A short time later someone reported a forest fire in the same area.
The Coleman volunteer fire department arrived to fight it, however the fire had grown out of control.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) aviation services were called in. The MNRF sent a helicopter and water bomber to assist the ground crew and the fire was successfully extinguished.
As a result of this investigation four males have been charged with "leave fireworks unextinguished in forest" under the Forest Fire Prevention Act (FFPA).
- Riley ABERNOT, 19, of Cobalt
- Sam GILBERT, 18, of Coleman
- Justin INGLETON, 21, of Kerns
- Devin LEVEILLE, 18, of Haileybury
Here are some safety tips to remember:
- If you observe a wildfire, call 911 and evacuate your family and pets to a safe location;
- Spring grass fires can be destructive. Seek alternatives by considering composting or using your local landfill;
- Do NOT toss a cigarette out of your vehicle window and ensure that cigarette butts are properly extinguished before being discarded anywhere;
- Assure safe campfire practices;
- You can’t have a fire in a restricted fire zone. This includes all grass and debris burning, campfires, fire places and fire pits;
- Plan fire safety techniques and teach them to your family.
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