The Whistler RCMP says the community can now stand down after issuing a call for information yesterday.
Police made the request in relation to two separate reports of individuals lighting fires in the Resort Municipality of Whistler, despite a community-wide fire ban.
Investigators received an "overwhelming" number of calls and information, said Cpl. Katrina Boehmer, media relations officer with the Sea to Sky RCMP, in a follow up on June 24.
“We want to thank our media partners for assisting us with getting this information out to the public,” Boehmer said. “We also want to thank all the individuals who called and attended at our detachment to provide our investigators with information. Whistler is an exceptional place to live, work and recreate, and it is simply impressive to see how the members of this community come together so quickly to help police ensure the safety of our residents and visitors."
Whistler RCMP investigators have "been able to obtain information to help further these investigations, and no further assistance is being requested at this time," she added.
In a release on June 23, police said the first incident occurred on June 19, just after 8 p.m., near the gravel pit on Lorimer Road, where three males were reportedly seen gathered around a fire. The second incident took place on June 20, just after 7:30 p.m., in the 4100 block of Golfer's Approach, where three males were observed attempting to start a fire.
In Whistler, the fine for having a fire without a permit is $500, reduced to $300 if paid within 14 days. The fine for having a campfire during a ban, as Whistler is now under until Sept. 15, is $1,000. The RCMP and COS can also issue an additional $1,150 ticket for fire-related infractions.
The Whistler Fire Rescue Service can hand out fines, but typically defers to the municipal bylaw department. Since January 1, 2024, two tickets have been issued for open-air burns in Whistler.
