February 3, 2000
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Goobies company convicted for breaches under Forestry Act

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, today announced that a Goobies based company was convicted, on January 27, for breaches under the Forestry Act and Forest Fire Regulations. The conviction resulted in fines totaling $600 and an order of restitution in the amount of $150,000 for the cost of fire suppression.

Mr. Aylward explained: "The charges stem from an investigation conducted by Burin Peninsula conservation officers into a forest fire which started near Jacques Fontaine on May 19, 1999. The fire burned 380 hectares of land. As a result of the investigation, it was determined that the fire originated from a brush cutting and burning operation which was carried out by Green�s Service Station of Goobies. Fire hazards were high at the time. The company was charged for burning brush without a permit and leaving a fire before it was completely extinguished."

Section 6 of the Forest Fires Liability and Compensation Regulations states that a party or person shall be liable for all costs incurred by the Crown in fighting a forest fire on forested land where the fire is caused by or results from negligence from a logging or industrial operation.

Aylward concluded by saying: " I hope this court decision will send a strong message to people carrying out logging or industrial operations during the fire season. The rules are there for the safety and preservation of our forest resources, people breaking them will be prosecuted."

Media contact: Cynthia Layden-Barron, Communications, (709) 729-6183.

2000 02 03                                                             10:55 a.m.