I would like to take this opportunity to inform my honourable colleagues that the forest fire season is once again upon us. The 2001 forest fire season has been officially declared for the island portion of the province. Having taken effect as of midnight May 11 the season will continue until midnight September 16. The forest fire season for Labrador will commence midnight May 18 and end on midnight October 7.

I would like to remind the public that in accordance with forest fire regulations burning permits are required for lighting outdoor fires for the purpose of clearing land or burning brush within 300 metres of a forest land. Permits are available at forestry offices throughout the province.

Despite the fact that we were confronted with the most snowfall witnessed in recent memory this past winter, it is important to remember that snow cover in some wooded areas of the province can change quickly with warm, dry weather, and this was demonstrated last week with 11 forest fires starting off our season - 10 in the Avalon/eastern region and one in central Newfoundland. These fires have been extinguished and no others were recorded over the weekend.

Our forest fire suppression staff are ready to serve the public in protecting our forest when and where required . Staff in my department were busy throughout the winter servicing and performing tests on fire suppression equipment, such as pumps, hoses and back tanks. In addition, test runs of the province�s fleet of six water bombers have taken place to ensure they are ready for the forest fire season. Four of these aircraft will be stationed on the island while two will be stationed in Labrador.

My department sent one water bomber to New Brunswick on May 9 to assist that province with their forest fire suppression operations. We have also acquired the services of one extra support aircraft for operation for 2001 providing the Island and Labrador with one each. Four long ranger helicopters are on full-time standby and will be strategically stationed at St. John�s, Gander, Pasadena and Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Improving the knowledge and capability of staff also remains a priority for my department. During the winter 29 staff members received specialized training in Intermediate Forest Fire Behaviour. Increasing knowledge of forest fires improves our forest fire suppression efforts, which leads to better protection of our forest resource and personal property.

With the May 24 holiday weekend upon us I urge everyone to be extra careful this coming weekend and ask them to please ensure that all fires are properly extinguished. We should never forget the damage fires can do to our forest, wildlife and the environment.

I want to assure the public we are ready for the 2001 forest fire season and remain committed to protecting our valuable forest resources for all of its users. In closing, I ask everyone to be fire smart when in or near the woods during the 2001 summer season.

2001 05 14                                            1:55 p.m.