Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
May 18, 2016

Public Advisory: Residents Reminded About Safety Around Open Fires

With the unofficial launch to summer just around the corner, the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency is encouraging residents to be diligent with open fires during the Victoria Day long weekend.

Whether residents are heading to the cabin, going camping, hiking, fishing or staying at home, it is important to take precautions to make this a safe and enjoyable weekend. To help protect the forest resource, homes and personal property, residents are asked to remember the following:

  • During forest fire season, a permit to burn is required under the Forestry Act for anyone wishing to burn brush and debris on or within 300 metres of forest land;
  • A permit to burn can be obtained free of charge from district offices throughout the province: www.faa.gov.nl.ca/locations/index.html#map;
  • Ensure items that can be used to extinguish a fire are close by including water, hose, bucket and shovel;
  • People often burn grass in the spring when fire conditions are at a higher risk. Grass fires burn hot and fast and can spread quickly. Under the Forestry Act, if you light a fire you are responsible for it;
  • Never leave a fire unattended, even for a short time. You must be within sight and not more than 50 metres away from a campfire or barbeque;
  • Fires and burning should not be conducted during high wind conditions.
  • Choose a wide, clear site away from all obstacles when lighting fireworks. Aim fireworks away from people, buildings and forested land;
  • All-terrain vehicles must be equipped with appropriate mufflers and spark arrestors to prevent flammable debris from escaping. They must also be fitted with an operational fire extinguisher;
  • When tidying up around your property, assess your risk from wildfire by reviewing the FireSmart Homeowners Assessment Manual PDF Icon.

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:

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

2016 05 18                              11:35 a.m.