Natural Resources
May 13, 2014

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources:

Majority of Province’s Forest Fires Can Be Prevented

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today to talk briefly about Newfoundland and Labrador’s official forest fire season. The season began May 1 on the island, and begins May 15 in Labrador. It extends into late September.

The Newfoundland and Labrador forest industry employs 5,500 people through direct and indirect employment and is valued at $250 million annually. For economic, social and cultural reasons, this tremendous resource must be protected.

The fire suppression team within the Department of Natural Resources protects our natural resources, our communities, our homes and our residents from wildfires. In 2013, the fire suppression team responded to 101 fires throughout the province, the majority of which could have been prevented.

During forest fire season, a permit to burn is required, at no cost, for lighting outdoor fires for the purpose of clearing land and burning brush within 300 metres of a forest.

At this time of the year, fine fuels such as dead vegetation in fields and other open areas appear wet, however they can dry and burn in a matter of hours when conditions are right. Fine fuels play a role in most of the fires responded to each year because they ignite easily and can spread fire quickly.

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians use our forests for hiking, camping, and other activities. With this privilege comes the responsibility to take care of our forest resource. The official start of forest fire season is an appropriate time to remind residents to be careful when they are in the woods.

Permits to burn and copies of the forest fire regulations can be obtained at regional or district forest management offices throughout the province. The lighting of fires for cooking and camping does not require a permit, but certain forest fire regulations must be followed.

Mr. Speaker our fire fighters, Incident Management Team, Air Services pilots and maintenance crews and other staff members are to be commended for their tremendous efforts. I am confident in their ability to protect our forests, our property and our people. We can help by being careful. Thank you.

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2014 05 13                                               13:55 p.m.