Government is following through on increasing penalties for people who violate the ban on fires.

Some fines can be as low as $75, which Premier John Hogan says is way too low.

While not all the legalese has been done, Hogan says the maximum fine will be $50,000. Discussion had focused on having something similar to Nova Scotia where the maximum is $25,000, but government is doubling that.

The Premier did not give a firm timeline for the imposition of the tougher penalties.

Meanwhile, Premier Hogan says his government did consider imposing other bans on outdoor activity such as hiking and off-road vehicle travel but decided instead to focus on those who blatantly ignore the law on the fire ban.

“I think at this time the right thing to do is to protect the innocent people and the families and communities. The outdoors is a big part of our culture here in Newfoundland and Labrador in the summer and the winter, and we feel that we should hold the people who are reckless responsible,” said Hogan.