Google Translate Disclaimer

A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan's website have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow box in the right or left rail that resembles the link below. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found at:

Renseignements en Français

Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.

Software-based translations do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language. The Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).

Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.

Man Ordered to Pay More Than $41,000 for Starting Wildfires

Released on November 24, 2017

A Hall Lake man was recently sentenced in La Ronge provincial court for intentionally lighting several fires on the outskirts of his community.

On July 4, 2015, while massive wildfires threatened La Ronge and other northern communities, the Ministry of Environment received a report of a wildfire near the community of Hall Lake, 100 kilometres west of La Ronge.  Responding firefighters found several wildfires, which were quickly contained.  An investigation determined that the fires had been deliberately set in four separate locations along a trail west of the community.

Conservation officers identified a suspect who confessed to flicking lit wooden matches into the forest as he was walking along a trail back to town.

Donald Halkett Jr., 22, pleaded guilty to mischief under the Criminal Code of Canada, as well as failing to comply with a fire ban under The Wildfire Act.

Halkett received a six month conditional sentence on the mischief charge, with conditions including a curfew, not to consume or possess alcohol, 100 hours of community service and a $100 surcharge.  He also received a $250 fine for starting a fire during a fire ban and was ordered to pay $41,392.83 in restitution for the costs to extinguish the fires.

Anyone who lights a fire is responsible for all resulting damages and suppression costs, which can be significant.  Diverting firefighting resources to respond to human-caused fires, particularly during extreme wildfire activity and burning conditions, can put communities and firefighters at risk.

If you suspect wildlife, fisheries, forestry or environmental violations, please call your local Ministry of Environment office, Saskatchewan’s toll-free Turn In Poachers line at 1-800-667-7561 or #5555 for SaskTel cellular subscribers, or report a violation online at www.saskatchewan.ca/tip.  You may be eligible for cash rewards from the SaskTip Reward Program.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Val Nicholson
Environment
Prince Albert
Phone: 306-953-2459
Email: val.nicholson@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-981-5645

We need your feedback to improve saskatchewan.ca. Help us improve