An airtanker drops retardant on the 2013 fire started by Bruce Alan Bromley. (Richard McGuire file photo)
The man who started the Spotted Lake wildfire in August 2013 was fined $5,000 in provincial court last week.
Bruce Alan Bromley, 62, pled guilty to lighting an open fire on Aug. 19, 2013 when there was a burning ban in effect under the B.C. Wildfire Act.
Bromley was burning garbage on his rural property despite the ban. He left the fire unattended, believing it was out.
The fire spread down the hill, forcing the evacuation of six homes and burning about 15 hectares of grassland.
The Wildfire Management Branch had to bring in 35 firefighters, two helicopters and five air tankers to control the blaze.
RCMP officers also assisted in the evacuation and Osoyoos firefighters helped to protect the homes.
No structures were destroyed, but fences and power poles were burned.
The cost to taxpayers of fighting the blaze was $133,000.
In addition to the fine, which he has two years to pay, Bromley is required to pay a $750 victim surcharge.
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Osoyoos Times
