Dear Editor:
It was disappointing to read the Huge Jeers to our Local Conservation Officers write up in last weeks edition of The Pioneer.
For clarification, every report that was received by our office regarding illegal campfires has been actioned since the campfire ban was initiated on July 3rd. Although fire bans do not fall within our primary mandate of responsibilities, we have been requested to assist the provincial Wildfire Management Branch during this time of extreme fire hazard.
The main concerns are for the protection of the forest and infrastructure, and to ensure the safety of the public recreating in our backcountry.
Since the fire ban, the Invermere Conservation Officer Service has issued 30 tickets for unlawful fires.
To ensure a violation report is received by the Conservation Officer Service, calls should be placed through the 24/7 provincial call centre at 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP: Report All Poachers & Polluters).
Greg Kruger and Lawrence Umsonst
Invermere Conservation Officers
