NLIS 3
May 14, 2004
(Natural Resources)

 

Minister announces dates for 2004 forest fire season

Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources, today announced the dates for the 2004 forest fire season. The forest fire season for the island portion of the province will commence midnight May 14 and remain in effect until midnight September 19. In Labrador, the forest fire season will take effect midnight May 21 and remain in effect until midnight September 19.

Minister Byrne says forest fire suppression staff with the Forest Services Division have been busy preparing firefighting equipment and are now ready to deal with the forest fire threat this summer.

"The department will have 108 seasonal forest fire suppression staff at its disposal to perform firefighting duties throughout the province," the minister stated. "In addition, our team of conservation officers will also be available to provide support when required."

The department will operate a fleet of six water bombers and four light helicopters during the 2004 forest fire season. The fleet of water bombers will be strategically situated, with two in Gander, and one each in Deer Lake, St. John�s, Goose Bay and Wabush. As in previous years, if extra firefighting resources are required, the department will avail of the Mutual Aid Resources Sharing Agreement (MARS) that provides for the sharing of firefighting resources among provinces.

Last summer, 20 forest firefighters from Newfoundland and Labrador were made available to British Columbia through this agreement to help with that province�s devastating forest fire situation. The province of British Columbia recently presented the Department of Natural Resources with a plaque in appreciation for sending our firefighters to aid with their fire suppression efforts during the summer of 2003.

"This expression of appreciation is a reminder to the people of our province that we have a professional and dedicated forest firefighting staff available to protect our forest resource and personal property from the threat of fire," said Minister Byrne.

Minister Byrne encourages everyone to act responsibly when in or near the woods by ensuring all fires are properly extinguished. He also reminded the general public 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. The public can apply for permits at regional or district forest management offices throughout the province. The lighting of fires for personal use such as cooking and camping does not require a permit, but forest fire regulations must be followed.

There have been 21 forest fires recorded to date in 2004. Eighteen of these fires have occurred in the eastern region while the remaining three fires took place in the western region. Most of these were small grass and brush fires.

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications, (709) 729-5282

2004 05 14                                       12:20 p.m.


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