Smokers who are improperly discarding smoking material are subject to large fines, and law enforcement is starting to crack down.

Okotoks Fire Services are reminding residents that throwing butts out of vehicle windows or along pathways etc. is illegal.

Deputy Fire Chief Pat MacIsaac says the fines can be quite high, and law enforcement is becoming quite strict on the subject.

"It is a ticketable offense, it has been acted upon by law enforcement in the area, and they don't have much of a sense of humour given the conditions and activity that we're seeing currently."

For those folks driving along the highway who see such activity, they can and are asked to report it to local law enforcement.

Deputy Chief MacIsaac says as long as you have all the details, the police will follow up, and check on the smoking material to ensure no fire has in fact started.

"It's certainly a reportable incident in terms of the offense.  If someone sees some irresponsible littering they can report it." MacIsaac shares what kind of information to make note of  "They have to be able to provide details like the kind of vehicle, license plate, when and where they saw it and give all of that information to the police."

Many fires this season were caused by human activities such as illegal campfires, operation of Off Highway Vehicles, and the most common was improperly discarding smoking material.

MacIsaac shares that there is still an investigation and reports that say last years fire in Fort McMurray was caused by a cigarette, but it's not just wild lands that are in danger.

"Not only is it a rude and disgusting thing to do, but it's a dangerous thing to do and not only for wild land fires.  We've had a number of house fires start because people discard cigarettes in planters and in mulch which has caused structure fires."

According to section 7 of the Forest and Prairie Protection Act you can start with a $172 fine for discarding refuse that could create a hazard on public lands, but the smoker in the wrong could also be liable for the cost of damages and the cost of fire fighting efforts if it was proven that their actions caused the fires.

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