Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
May 6, 2016

Public Advisory: Eighteen Forest Fires Reported During First Week of Forest Fire Season

Residents are reminded that forest fire regulations are in effect and are being enforced following the start of Forest Fire Season which began May 1 on the island portion of the province and begins May 15 in Labrador. To date, 18 human-caused forest fires have occurred and required response from the Forestry Services Branch.

During forest fire season, a permit to burn is required under the Forestry Act prior to lighting a fire for the purpose of clearing land or burning brush on forest land or within 300 metres of forest land. Lighting a fire without a permit to burn is a ticketable offence.

In 2015, the agency received 149 complaints regarding negligence to forest fire regulations. Conservation officers issued 111 warnings and 48 tickets for offences that included burning without a permit to burn; operating a chainsaw, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or utility task vehicle (UTV) without a fire extinguisher; and failure to abide by the conditions of a permit to burn. The agency's objective is to work with the public to see those numbers decrease in 2016

Residents must be aware that burning grass during spring can be destructive and dangerous. Dry conditions and dead fuels increase the spread of wildfire which can quickly spread beyond property boundaries. Pay attention to wind conditions, keep the fire small and contained, do not leave it unattended and recognize when it is not appropriate to burn.

A toll-free number is available to report forest fires during forest fire season. The number is 1-866-709-FIRE (3473).

Information on the forest fire regulations is available at:
www.assembly.nl.ca/Legislation/sr/regulations/rc960010.htm External Link Icon

Information on the forest fire season is available at:
www.faa.gov.nl.ca/forestry/forest_fires/index.html

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

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Media contact:

Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications
Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
Forestry and Agrifoods Agency
709-729-4570, 693-1865
tansymundon@gov.nl.ca

2016 05 06                              4:25 p.m.