Minister announces dates for 2005 forest fire season

Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources, has announced dates for the 2005 forest fire season. The forest fire season will commence on the Avalon Peninsula effective midnight tonight (May 6) and will take effect midnight May 13 for the rest of the island and Labrador. The season will remain in effect for the entire island and Labrador until midnight September 18.

Minister Byrne asks the general public to act responsibly when in or near the woods by ensuring all fires are properly extinguished and encourages outdoor enthusiasts to adhere to provincial forest fire regulations during the forest fire season.

"The citizens of Newfoundland and Labrador derive countless benefits from our forest resources," said Minister Byrne. "Our forests are an invaluable contributor to our social, economic and cultural well-being. It is imperative that we all remain cautious when lighting fires near our forests this summer."

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.

The public are asked to adhere to the following guidelines when lighting any fires:

• Be sure have adequate amounts of water on hand to extinguish the fire.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Have on-hand tools such as round-topped shovels and pick-axes or heavy equipment suitable for extinguishing fires.
• Avoid lighting fires in conditions of high wind.

This summer the Department of Natural Resources will have 108 seasonal forest fire suppression staff at its disposal to perform firefighting duties throughout the province. Conservation officers will also be available to provide support when required.

In addition, the department will operate a fleet of six water bombers and four light helicopters during the 2005 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, Happy Valley-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.

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications, (709) 729-5282, 685-4624

2005 05 06                             3:25 p.m.