Residents Reminded to Be Vigilant During Forest Fire Season

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are reminded about the impacts of forest fires with the start of forest fire season which begins on the island May 1, and in Labrador May 15.

“Residents of this province enjoy spending time in the outdoors, and along with the privilege of enjoying our forest comes the responsibility of ensuring we take care of the resource,” said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. “The official start of the forest fire season is a great time to remind people to act responsibly and be vigilant during the season.”

A permit to burn is required, at no cost, for lighting outdoor fires for the purpose of clearing land or burning brush within 300 metres of a forest during the forest fire season. The lighting of fires for cooking and camping does not require a permit, but certain forest fire regulations must be followed. Permits and regulations can be obtained at the regional or district forest management offices around the province. Information on the forest fire season is available at www.gov.nl.ca/nr/forestry/fires/index.html 

 The Department of Natural Resources has seasonal forest firefighters stationed throughout the province. The number to report a fire is toll-free 1-866-709-FIRE (3473), and is available in all areas of the province during forest fire season.

The Provincial Government operates a fleet of six waterbombers and four light helicopters during the forest fire season. Waterbombers are strategically situated around the province − two in Gander and one each in Deer Lake, St. John’s, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Wabush. If extra firefighting resources are required, the department will avail of the Mutual Aid Resources Sharing Agreement (MARS) that provides for the sharing of firefighting resources among provinces.

In 2010 the department’s fire suppression staff responded to 61 fires – 43 on the island portion of the province and 18 in Labrador. Approximately 1,020.4 hectares of forest area were burnt – 981.7 hectares in Labrador and 38.7 hectares on the island.

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Media contact:
Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 697-4137
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca 

2011 04 27             1:35 p.m.