Minister declares end to 2003 forest fire season

The Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, Rick Woodford, today announced that the 2003 forest fire season for Newfoundland and Labrador will officially end at midnight on October 8. The forest fire season was originally scheduled to end September 21, but was extended due to the warm dry weather recently experienced throughout the province.

Although the forest fire season has been declared closed, Minister Woodford is still encouraging the general public to remain cautious and act responsibly when in or near wooded areas and to make sure all fires are properly extinguished.

Minister Woodford also commended the efforts of the department�s forest fire suppression staff for an outstanding job during the 2003 forest fire season. "I would like to acknowledge our professional team and their efforts over the past months in safeguarding people, property and our valuable forest resource from the threat of fire," said Minister Woodford. "The men and women who are members of our forest fire fighting teams are often called upon to work long hours in very difficult conditions. The people of the province are fortunate to have such a group of individuals who are dedicated to the protection of our valuable forest resource."

So far in 2003, there have been 187 recorded forest fires burning a total of 35,126 hectares. The number of fires is above the 10-year average for fire starts, while the number of hectares burned is below the 10-year average for Newfoundland and Labrador. Of the 187 fires recorded, 96 occurred in the eastern region, 64 in Labrador and 29 in the western region. In 2002, there was a total of 138 forest fires in the province that burned 35,693 hectares. Of the 138 fires, 70 occurred in the eastern region, 50 in Labrador and 18 in the western region.

Media contact: Sonia Glover, Communications, (709) 729-6183

2003 10 07                                        10:30 a.m.