NLIS 4
May 4, 2000
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

2000 Fire Season Declared

I would like to take this opportunity to inform the members of the House of Assembly, that as Minister of Forest, Resources and Agrifoods, I have declared the 2000 fire season under the province�s Forestry Act.

This order is in effect on the island of Newfoundland as of midnight April 28, 2000, however on the Avalon Peninsula it has been in effect since April 15. In Labrador the regulations will come into effect as of midnight May 13, 2000. All of these regulations will be enforced until midnight Sunday, September 17, 2000.

In accordance with forest fire regulations, I have advised the public that during forest fire season, every person setting a fire for the purpose of clearing land or brush on forest land or within 300 metres of forest land must obtain a permit to burn. The public can apply for a burning permit at any forestry and wildlife office in the province, in addition copies of the 2000 Forest Fire regulations are also available at these offices.

This year we have experienced low snow coverage during the winter months on the island portion of the province, resulting in the spring surface drying. This situation creates a potential forest fire hazard. I urge the public to exercise extreme caution when burning or traveling on or near forest land. Make sure that all fires are properly extinguished.

Based on a 10 year average, the 1999 fire season in Newfoundland and Labrador was above average in terms of number of hectares burned. The province recorded 228 fires, which burned a total of 39,291 hectares. Although the majority of the land burned was non-commercial forest land in Labrador, there were large fires in the central region of the island that consumed a larger portion of commercial forest land than has been recorded since 1989. In addition there was a higher than normal number of lightening caused fires on the island. Out of the 228 fires that were reported, 176 were human caused and 52 were caused by lightening.

My department is prepared for the 2000 fire season. We presently have our normal complement of six CL-215 water bombers and crews, however two of our water bombers are on contract to North Carolina. If the need arises these aircraft can be returned to the province. The two aircraft in question are stationed in Labrador where the fire season traditionally starts later than on the island. These aircraft are scheduled to return on May 20, 2000. In addition our ground crews will be brought on over the next few weeks.

Only through the cooperation of our fellow Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who work in our forest and those who enjoy our forests for recreation, can we reduce the risk of forest fires.

2000 05 04                                              4:35 p.m.