Natural Resources
April 30, 2014
Protecting Residents, Communities and Renewable Resources
Permit to Burn Required During Official Forest Fire Season
The Provincial Government advises residents that during the official forest fire season a permit to burn is required for lighting outdoor fires to clear land or burn brush within 300 metres of a forest. The official forest fire season begins May 1 on the island portion of the province and May 15 in Labrador, ending in both regions on September 30.
“The fire suppression team within the Department of Natural Resources protects our resources, communities and residents from forest fires. In 2013, the department responded to 101 fires throughout the province. The majority of fires are caused by residents and can be prevented.”
- The Honorable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency
During spring, fine fuels such as dead vegetation in fields and other open areas appear wet but can dry and burn in a matter of hours when conditions change. Fine fuels play a role in most fires responded to each year because they ignite easily and can spread fire quickly.
A permit to burn is required under the Forestry Act and can be obtained at no cost at regional or district forest management offices around the province. The lighting of fires for cooking and camping does not require a permit, but certain forest fire regulations must be followed.
Information on the forest fire season and regulations are available at www.nr.gov.nl.ca/nr/forestry/fires/index.html
A toll-free number is available to report forest fires during forest fire season. The number is 1-866-709-FIRE (3473).
QUICK FACTS
- Under the Forestry Act, a permit to burn is required, at no cost, for lighting outdoor fires to clear land or burn brush within 300 metres of a forest.
- The official forest fire season begins May 1 on the island and May 15 in Labrador, ending in both regions on September 30.
- A toll-free number is available to report forest fires during forest fire season. The number is 1-866-709-FIRE (3473).
- In 2013, the department’s fire suppression team responded to 101 fires. The department has seasonal forest firefighters stationed throughout the province.
- The Provincial Government operates a fleet of five waterbombers and four light helicopters which are strategically situated around the province in Gander, Deer Lake, St. John’s, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Wabush.
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Media contact:
Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 631-8155
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca
2014 04 30 3:20 p.m.