NLIS 9
April 27, 2000
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

2000 Forest Fire Season declared for all of island portion of province

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, announced today that the forest fire season for all of the island portion of the province, which was not covered in a previous Order dated April 7, 2000, will commence as of midnight April 28, 2000 and remain in effect until midnight September 17, 2000. The forest fire season for the Avalon Peninsula has been in effect since April 15th.

Minister Aylward said: "A number of locations throughout the province received low snow cover during the winter resulting in Spring surface drying. Such a situation creates a potential forest fire hazard." Mr. Aylward advised the general public to exercise extreme caution when burning or travelling on or near forest land. "I ask that everyone engaged in outdoor activities such as hiking and camping use extreme caution when using all forms of fire such as matches and ensure that all fires are extinguished and cigarettes are disposed of in a proper manner. It is only through the cooperation of the general public and the users of our outdoor resources that we can reduce the risk of forest fires," said Minister Aylward.

In accordance with Forest Fire Regulations, the public are advised that during the forest fire season every person setting a fire for the purpose of clearing land or burning brush, slash, etc. on forest land or within 300 meters of forest land must obtain a permit to burn. The public may apply for a permit to burn at Forestry and Wildlife offices throughout the province. A copy of the Forest Fire Regulations is also available at Forestry and Wildlife offices. Fires are permitted for the purposes of cooking and camp fires but must be done in accordance with forest fire regulations.

Media contact: Craig Renouf, (709) 637-2923 or fax: (709) 637-2403.

2000 04 27                                                         4:30 p.m.