Forest fire season extended throughout province

The Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods is advising the public that due to recent warm dry weather experienced throughout the province, the forest fire season for both the sland and Labrador has been extended until further notice. The forest fire season for the entire province had been scheduled to conclude at midnight, September 21.

As a result of the extension, the general public are reminded that in accordance with forest fire regulations, a Permit to Burn is required for lighting outdoor fires for the purpose of clearing land or burning brush within 300 metres of forest land. Permits are available at regional or forest management district offices located throughout the province.

Forestry officials wish to remind individuals to act responsibly when in or near wooded areas and to make sure all fires are properly extinguished.

So far in 2003, there have been 169 recorded forest fire starts burning a total of 35,110 hectares. The number of fire starts is slightly above the 10-year average for fire starts while the number of hectares burned is below the 10-year average for Newfoundland and Labrador. Currently, there are two small active fires burning in the province; one on the island and one in Labrador.

Media contact:
          Bruce Nicholl, Provincial Forest Fire Duty Officer, (709) 632-1153
          Sonia Glover, Communications, (709) 729-6183

2003 09 19                                      1:55 p.m.