Toll-Free Number Available for Reporting Forest Fires

As part of the 2009 forest fire season, a toll-free number is now available to encourage public assistance in reporting forest fires in all areas of the province. The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency, today encouraged residents to use the number as needed and to do their part in preventing forest fires.

�Assistance from the public is extremely important in protecting our forests from fire,� said Minister Dunderdale. �As we enter forest fire season once again, we want to remind everyone of the role we all have in protecting our resources and in acting responsibly when enjoying the outdoors.�

Forest fire season on the island begins May 1 and in Labrador May 15. The season ends in both regions September 30. The toll-free number to report a forest fire across the province is 1-866-709-FIRE (3473).
During forest fire season, a Permit to Burn is required, at no charge, for lighting outdoor fires for the purpose of clearing land or burning brush within 300 metres of a forest. The lighting of fires for cooking and camping does not require a permit. However, forest fire regulations still apply. They can be found at //www.nr.gov.nl.ca/forestry/forestfire/default.stm

Everyone should adhere to the following guidelines when lighting fires:

• Ensure adequate amounts of water are on hand to extinguish the fire;
• Never leaving a fire unattended;
• Have quick access to tools, such as round-topped shovels and pick-axes, to clear ground to make fire breaks; and,
• Avoid the lighting of fires in high wind.

The Department of Natural Resources has 117 seasonal forest firefighters available throughout the province this season. Conservation officers are also available to provide support if required.

A fleet of six water bombers and four light helicopters area also available during the forest fire season. Two water bombers are located 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.

Permits and regulations can be obtained at the regional or district forest management offices around the province. For more information, visit the web site at www.gov.nl.ca/nr.

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Media contact:
Tracy Barron
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 690-8241
tracybarron@gov.nl.ca

2009 04 30                             10:20 a.m.