Vernon hopes cigarette tossing message hits home: ‘We want to protect our community’

Drivers headed into Vernon, B.C. will see signs reminding them of the consequences of tossed cigarette butts.

The City of Vernon is taking a proactive approach to wildfire prevention and installing digital signs around the community, reminding people not to discard their cigarettes carelessly.

“We want to protect our community. The loss of a home is a big deal for everybody and we’ve got to make sure we are doing what we can, as council, to protect our community.”

Share this on X Click to share quote on X: "We want to protect our community. The loss of a home is a big deal for everybody and we've got to make sure we are doing what we can, as council, to protect our community."

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The signs read, “Extreme fire hazard. Do not toss butts. $575 fine.”

The city is placing six of these signs around the community.

It is costing the city $6,600 a month to rent the digital sign boards.

The mayor said he considers the cost “quite reasonable” considering the potential cost associated with a serious wildfire.