A man has been fined $200 for lighting a fire during a fire restriction period, in summer.
Glen David Wilson, 59, of Kyabram, pleaded guilty in Echuca Magistrates’ Court to the charge of failing to comply with fire regulations.
Prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Peter Clarke told the court police attended to a report of a fire at the rear of a property in Oswald St, Kyabram at 3.10pm on February 4.
Leading Sen Constable Clarke said the fire had been extinguished prior to police attendance, but it was evident that “six square metres of lawn had been burnt,” he said.
The court was told that Wilson had one relevant prior, which was over 30 years old.
When interviewed by police, Wilson said his reason for lighting a fire during a fire restriction period was that he “didn’t know” he was not allowed to on that particular day.
Wilson’s solicitor Greg Johnston said although it was “not a total fire ban day,” his client “still ought to have known better”.
Magistrate Ross Maxted said the offence was likely “an accident and an error of judgment, but I think you’ve learned your lesson”.
Wilson was fined $200 without conviction.
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