Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
May 3, 2016

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency

Forest Fire Season Declared for Newfoundland and Labrador

Mr. Speaker, I rise to advise the public about forest fire season, which began on May 1 on the island portion of the province and will begin on May 15 in Labrador. The season ends September 30 on the island and in Labrador.

Due to the low snowfall this winter, we anticipate early drying conditions. Residents planning to burn brush as part of spring clean-up activities should be aware of how quickly fire can spread beyond their property.

In 2015, 70 fires were caused by residents in Newfoundland and Labrador, the majority during May and June, when many people were burning brush. Some of these fires were preventable.

Reducing the number of human-caused fires is an integral component of our fire prevention program. 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.

Mr. Speaker, the lighting of fires for cooking and camping does not require a permit, but certain forest fire regulations must be followed. Information on those regulations can be found on the Provincial Government website at www.faa.gov.nl.ca/forestry

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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2016 05 03                              2:10 p.m.