The Department of Natural Resources is warning residents that the risk of forest fires is high and to be extremely cautious if lighting fires near a forest or when in forested areas. The below normal snowfall during the winter has resulted in drier than usual conditions.

Forest fire season on the island begins May 1 and in Labrador May 15.

"We all have a role in protecting our forest resources and with the official start of the forest fire season approaching, we want to remind people of the need to be extremely cautious when outdoors," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. "Conditions are drier than usual for this time of year and with people beginning to frequent our forests, we need everyone to be aware of the risk of forest fires and to act responsibly this forest fire season."

In 2009, the department responded to 176 fires — 147 on the island portion of the province and 29 in Labrador. Approximately 37,000 hectares of forest area were burnt, with 36,500 hectares of that in Labrador and 500 hectares on the island. Already this year the department has responded to six forest fires. One fire in the eastern region resulted in extensive property damage.

The public can help protect the forest resource by calling the department's toll-free number, which is available in all areas of the province during forest fire season. The number to call to report a fire is 1-866-709-FIRE (3473).

During forest fire season, 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 a forest. The lighting of fires for cooking and camping do not require a permit, but certain forest fire regulations must be followed. Permits and regulations can be obtained at any regional or district forest management office. More information can be found on the website at www.gov.nl.ca/nr 

The department has 117 seasonal forest firefighters stationed throughout the province this season. Conservation officers are available to provide support if required. In addition, the province has a fleet of six water bombers and four light helicopters to provide assistance during forest fire season. Water bombers are strategically situated around the province − 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.

We are fully cognizant of the dangers to our forests this time of year from fire and we are prepared with appropriate personnel and equipment," said Minister Dunderdale. "At the same time, forest fires can quickly get out of control and cause significant damage to our forests and to personal property, as well as be a threat to public safety and the safety of our firefighters. The toll a forest fire can take is tremendous and I encourage everyone to be careful this forest fire season."

The season ends on the island and in Labrador on September 30.

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Media contact:

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