Should pay fine as lesson

I can appreciate the courage it took the two boys who started the fire in Glenmore to come forward.

But the thought that they may escape without consequence sickens me. Granted, no homes were destroyed and no lives were lost, but there has to be some punishment. Saying that they were taken to some program really doesn't cut it. 

Why not hit the parents with fines? At nine and 11, these boys would be minors under the care of their parents, who clearly haven't taught their kids that playing with a lighter in the woods during the summer is a stupid idea.

I'm not suggesting hitting them with the full amount they could be hit with (The operator could receive a violation ticket fine of $575, an administrative monetary penalty of up to $10,000, or a court fine up to $1 million and/or up to three years in jail. The person responsible could also be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs).

There are several sections of the Wildfire Act they can be fined under. 

• Section 3 (1), Drop, release or mishandle burning substance: $575 
• Section 3 (2), Fail to extinguish burning substance: $575 
• Section 10 (3), Light, fuel or use fire against restriction: $1,150 

That would be harsh enough for the parents to learn a lesson, and they can use it as a teachable moment for their kids.

Have them sell toys, mow lawns, do yard work to repay that debt. A few days in the summer sun toiling away might do wonders for them.

Don Wilson