Newfoundland and Labrador Premier John Hogan announced severe penalties for anyone violating a provincewide fire ban.
"We announced we would increase fines for violating the forest fire regulations," Hogan said.
"Effective today, new fines will range from $50,000 to $150,000. For a first offense when a ticket is issued, fines will increase from $75 to $50,000," he continued.
"Imprisonment in default of payment will increase from three days to up to six months. For a subsequent offense, fines will increase from $150 to $75,000. Imprisonment for not paying will increase from six days to up to six months," he added.
A visibly angry Premier John Hogan said the fine for a first offence would rise from $75 to $50,000, with potential imprisonment of up to six months for those failing to pay the penalty.
"Despite the serious nature of what's happening, we are continuing to see reports of people setting fires and, in some cases, setting fires intentionally," Hogan told a news conference. "It's very clear from the size of the (fine) increase ... that we mean business."
The fine for a second offence has jumped from $150 to $75,000. And a third violation will cost offenders a whopping $150,000, with up to one year in jail if not paid.
The premier said the province's largest wildfire, which continued to burn out of control on the western shore of Conception Bay, had grown overnight to almost 28 square kilometres, keeping hundreds of people from their homes.
The province has ordered evacuations of eight small communities in eastern Newfoundland. Some homes and other structures have been damaged or destroyed, but the province has yet to release any figures.
The actions taken by Newfoundland and Labrador follow severe measures imposed by Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
The New Brunswick government issued a notice telling residents to stay out of the woods because of the risk of wildfires.
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The notice by New Brunswick follows a similar move by Nova Scotia, where residents are threatened with a $25,000 fine.
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CBC noted:
A major fire burning near Kingston in Conception Bay North is still very active, Hogan said. The most recent estimate has the fire at 2,875 hectares.
Two fire breaks are being built to slow the growth of that fire, one kilometre in length each. Three water bombers, three helicopters and ground crew members are on the scene.
The fire in Holyrood remains around 22 hectares. Hogan said a helicopter and grounds crews are on site.
To the west, Hogan said the Martin Lake fire had a slight increase through Thursday and stands around 230 hectares. Hogan said government is still monitoring the Bay d'Espoir Highway for possible closures.
A water bomber, three air tractors and helicopters are working on that fire, and work is underway to build a fire break on the south side.
Newfoundland and Labrador will also get more help from outside of the province. Firefighters from Ontario will arrive over the weekend and military assistance is also coming. Quebec is sending two water bombers on Saturday, and two more water bombers and a bird dog on Sunday.