Jail time for those refusing to help fight fires

Senior Forest and Ranch Resources officer for Kanye, Johannes Seema told cattle ranchers during a fire management workshop that the law essentially treats those who refuse to help put out fires, the same as those who actually start fires.

In the past, community members who have helped put out fires in the area have demanded compensation, saying fire officers are able to demand allowances for similar work. However, the Herbage Act Section 11 makes it unlawful to refuse to help put out a fire or render other assistance, without reason.