Happy to be home, Williams Lake man fined for setting off fireworks: RCMP
'It is careless acts such as this that have the real potential to trigger even more interface wildfires'
RCMP in Williams Lake say they have fined a 34-year-old man who celebrated a return home from a wildfire-related evacuation by launching fireworks.
"It is careless acts such as this that have the real potential to trigger even more interface wildfires in the area," said Cpl. Jesse O'Donaghey in a release.
Officers say people called police early Saturday morning to complain about fireworks at a property near Carson Drive and Central Court.
Williams Lake RCMP says it found the man who was intoxicated with several empty fireworks canisters on his property.
Police say the Williams Lake resident admitted to setting off the fireworks to celebrate returning home after a recent evacuation order was lifted.
Residents in the city were ordered to leave July 15 due to wildfire risk. They were allowed to return July 27.
- Williams Lake B.C. residents flee wildfires
- Williams Lake, B.C., residents cleared to return home after wildfire forces evacuation
Police detained the man until he was no longer intoxicated.
He was fined more than $1,000 for for allegedly dropping, releasing or mishandling a burning substance, as well as for failing to comply with high risk activity restrictions under the provincial B.C. Wildfire Act and its regulations.
Police say they're thankful to people who called in the complaint.
"Had this man's actions been overlooked, the outcome could have been dire for the entire community," the release said.
Williams Lake remains on an evacuation alert.