An individual has been fined $287 for using an exploding target that sparked a wildfire 35 kilometres south of Fort McMurray.

This year the Government of Alberta (GOA) made changes to the Forest and Prairie Protection Act to prevent human caused wildfires.

One of the key legislation changes was increasing fines for wildfire-related violations.

People who disobey the stricter regulations can be prosecuted and fined up to $100,000.

A Forestry Peace Officer believed that someone using an exploding target caused the fire, the individual was located and issued the ticket.

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Crews were able to quickly extinguish the wildfire in an area of land that is used for recreational use.

As of June 16, the Fort McMurray Forest Area wildfire hazard is moderate and high to very high around Fort Chipewyan and Fort Fitzgerald.

The matter is now before the Courts.