Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
June 28, 2016

Public Advisory: Open Fires Prohibited When Fire Weather Index is at High to Extreme

With the fire weather index currently at a high or extreme level, the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency is reminding residents on the island portion of the province that open fires are not permitted.

For the vast majority of the island, high winds and warm temperatures are currently contributing to the risk for forest fire. Residents are asked to refrain from lighting an outdoor fire until the index returns to a moderate level.

Under the Forestry Act, Forest Fire Regulations, open or outdoor fires are not permitted when the fire weather index is high or extreme. All permits to burn issued under these regulations are invalid when a high or extreme fire weather index exists in the locality for which the permit has been issued.

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

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 season is available at: www.faa.gov.nl.ca/forestry/forest_fires/index.html

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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 28                              4:20 p.m.