Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
June 24, 2016
Public Advisory: Residents Reminded to be Careful Around Open Fires
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are asked to make fire safety a priority as the weather warms up and we head into a long holiday weekend.
The Discovery Day weekend will see many people enjoying a weekend of camping, time at a cabin and backyard campfires. Residents are reminded that forest fire regulations are in effect and have been enforced since the start of forest fire season on May 1 for the island portion of the province and May 15 in Labrador.
To date, 47 human-caused fires have occurred and required response from the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency Forestry Services Branch.
During forest fire season, a permit to burn is required under the Forestry Act prior to lighting a fire to clear land or burn brush on forest land or within 300 meters of forest land. Lighting a fire without a permit is a ticketable offense. A permit is not required for a backyard campfire however the following safety tips should be kept in mind:
- Use a constructed fireplace whenever possible and preferably one equipped with a grate;
- If no fireplace exists, prepare a proper fire pit clearing three metres around your fire of flammable materials such as leaves and twigs;
- Keep your campfire just big enough for cooking and keeping warm; the fire pit should not be more than one square metre in dimension;
- Ensure your campfire is completely extinguished using water. When the fire is cool to touch, it is safe to leave;
- Never leave a fire unattended. You must be within line of sight and not more than 50 metres away from a campfire or barbeque.
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 Forestry and Agrifoods Agency 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca |
2016 06 24 4:00 p.m.