The East Algoma OPP detachment has charged a third person in the region with lighting a bonfire during the current fire ban.
The latest incident occurred in Blind River on June 7 around 9:15 p.m., when officers were called to assist local firefighters on Solomon Street dealing with an allegedly "belligerent" man who was upset he couldn't have a fire.
A 35-year-old Blind River man was charged under the Provincial Offences Act with unlawfully starting a fire in a restricted fire zone, which carries a potential $880 fine.
"The East Algoma OPP have responded to recent calls for service related to fire bans around the East Algoma area," said Inspector Tyler Sturgeon in a news release. "In the current dry conditions, these are serious matters that put lives, property and infrastructure at risk. There will be zero tolerance for any open-air burning, including campfires during the current Restricted Fire Zone, and we will continue to support our local fire departments."
Two other Elliot Lake residents have been charged in recent days with lighting fires during the ban: one on May 31 and another on June 6.
None of the allegations against any of the accused have been tested in court, and all are considered innocent unless proven guilty.
