Outdoor enthusiasts are reminded to be vigilant when lighting a fire near forested areas and to ensure that fires are properly extinguished as the province enters the 2007 forest fire season.

Forest fire season on the island starts Saturday, May 5, while the season for Labrador starts two weeks later on Saturday, May 19. The season will remain in effect for both the island and Labrador until Saturday, September 23.

"Our forest resources provide sustainable employment for 4,300 people and are extremely valuable to the economy of many rural communities," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources. "It is imperative that we all take the appropriate steps to reduce the risk of forest fire when near forested areas, be it for a family outing, recreation or work."

As reaffirmed in Budget 2007, government understands the importance of protecting our forests from fire and other threats. Budget 2007 contained nearly $20 million to begin implementation of a multi-year, $100-million strategy to update the water bomber fleet. This is part of government�s commitment to manage the forests of the province in a sustainable manner.

People using forested areas are reminded of the regulations governing the lighting of fires for camping or the clearing of land and burning brush. A Permit to Burn is required, at no cost, for lighting outdoor fires for the purpose of clearing land or burning brush within 300 metres of forest land during the forest fire season. Permits and information about the forest fire regulations can be obtained at the regional or district forest management offices throughout the province. The lighting of fires for cooking and camping does not require a permit, but forest fire regulations must still be followed.

Everyone should adhere to the following guidelines when lighting fires: