Natural Resources
May 15, 2009Public Advisory:
Public Cautioned About Forest Fires
With the long Victoria Day weekend upon us many people
will be heading out to campgrounds and cabins and into wooded areas. The
Department of Natural Resources is asking people to be careful with
campfires and encouraging them to become familiar with the provincial
Forest Fire Regulations.
The Forest Fire Regulations can be found at
www.nr.gov.nl.ca/forestry/forestfire/default.stm
Forest fire season on the island began May 1 and
begins in Labrador today (May 15). Twenty-nine forest fires were
recorded by the department to this date in 2008. In 2009, the number has
increased to 47 forest fires.
The public should adhere to the following guidelines
when lighting fires:
Ensure adequate amounts of water are on hand to extinguish the
fire;
Never leave 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 toll-free number to report a forest fire across
the province is 1-866-709-FIRE (3473).
-30-
Media contact:
Tracy Barron
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 690-8241
tracybarron@gov.nl.ca
2009 05 15
4:30 p.m.
|
