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By Mel Rothenburger

Armchair Mayor

ROTHENBURGER – Those who deliberately set wildfires should go to jail

Jul 19, 2021 | 4:19 AM

KAMLOOPS — UNTIL WE START throwing people in jail for starting wildfires, we’re going to be fighting a losing battle with what has become an annual long, hot summer.

Regardless of climate change, we could put a serious dent in the number of wildfires if we could stop humans from starting them.

Arsons are especially disturbing. Carelessness is one thing but deliberately set fires need special attention.

Authorities are investigating several bush fires in Knutsford that appear to have been set on purpose. It’s questionable whether anyone will be brought to justice but, if so, serious consequences should be in order.

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Meanwhile, in West Kelowna, a man was seen lighting fires in a wooded area behind homes. A resident caught it on video. Neighbours were able to put out the fire and a man was arrested, then released pending charges. The headline said, “West Kelowna man caught on video tossing burning object into bush could face charges.” Could.

His quick release has, understandably, caused a lot of concern in the area, and it raises questions about how seriously we’re taking a very dangerous situation.

Canadian law says anyone who intentionally or recklessly sets a fire that causes bodily harm can be sentenced to a lengthy jail term ranging from five years to life, depending on the circumstances. The challenge is in apprehensions and getting convictions.

I’m not a lawyer but it seems to me that if there’s a strong likelihood a suspect has set one fire and might be likely to set more, there should be a way of keeping him or her behind bars at least until an investigation is completed.

And if someone is found guilty of setting a wildfire — intentional or not — that causes significant loss of property, that person should go to jail. If it causes loss of life, that person should go to jail for a long time. It’s akin to murder and should be treated as such. I’m Mel Rothenburger, the Armchair Mayor.

Mel Rothenburger is a former mayor of Kamloops and a retired newspaper editor. He is a regular contributor to CFJC Today, publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a director on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District board. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.