Fisheries and Aquaculture
April 29, 2015

Protecting Forests, People and Communities

Forest Fire Season Declared for Newfoundland and Labrador

Residents preparing to burn brush as part of clean-up activities around their properties should note that the 2015 forest fire season will start on May 1 for the island portion of the province and end on October 15. In Labrador, the season will start on May 15 and end on September 30. For the island, this year's season has been extended by two weeks in the fall due to above average temperatures and increased forest fire activity in recent years.

"A large portion of the province's forest fires are started by people and most are preventable. Reducing the number of human-caused fires is an integral component of our fire prevention program. The start of the forest fire season provides us with an opportunity to remind and educate the public on the dangers associated with forest fires and the need to be cautious when starting outdoor fires."
- The Honourable Vaughn Granter, 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. These materials play a role in most fires responded to early in the forest fire season 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 throughout 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, for lighting outdoor fires to clear land or burn brush within 300 metres of a forest. Permits are available free of charge at regional or district forest management offices throughout the province.
• The official forest fire season begins May 1 on the island and May 15 in Labrador. The season will end October 15 on the island and September 30 in Labrador.
• A toll-free number is available to report forest fires during forest fire season. The number is 1-866-709-FIRE (3473).

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Media contact:

Roger Scaplen Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 697-5267 rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca

2015 04 29                              12:40 p.m.