EDITORIAL – Those who deliberately set wildfires should go to jail
Screenshot from video of man suspected of setting a fire behind homes in West Kelowna. (Image: Facebook)
An editorial by Mel Rothenburger.
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.
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.
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