An Ottawa resident has pleaded guilty in relation to a 2023 forest fire on Centennial Lake in Greater Madawaska.
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, Wassim Zaibak of Ottawa, pleaded guilty to failing to keep a fire under control and was ordered to pay Ontario $35,000 as partial compensation for the costs incurred to extinguish the fire.
“The court heard that on June 4, 2023, a forest fire started on a privately owned island on Centennial Lake in Renfrew County in a Restricted Fire Zone,” reads an MNR press release. The fire consumed almost 45 hectares of forest area and nearby residents were evacuated as a safety precaution.
“A forensic investigation determined the fire was human caused. Conservation officers determined Zaibak caused the fire,” reads the release.
Officials say the investigation was supported by eye-witness accounts from residents, cottage owners and the Greater Madawaska Fire Department.
Justice of the Peace Carl Everett DeJong heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Pembroke, on Aug. 26.
(Sherry Haaima)