Public Advisory: Department Outlines Restrictions on Fireworks

The Department of Natural Resources is restricting the use of fireworks as part of the outdoor fire ban currently in place in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Consumer (family) fireworks used by untrained people in their backyards, cabins, or near wooded areas are not permitted. Aerial fireworks used by trained and licensed professionals during scheduled events are permitted.

The outdoor fire ban also restricts:

• Open fires, under any conditions;
• The use of outdoor wood burning devices; and,
• Backyard fires, including backyard fire pits, beach fires, etc.

The use of propane and gas BBQ and stoves is permitted.

Recent dry weather and hot temperatures experienced in the province have heightened the forest fire threat throughout many areas. Departmental officials have determined that unauthorized burning, such as campfires, brush burning and the lighting of fireworks, cannot take place.

The outdoor fire ban will be lifted when weather and forest conditions warrant.

For more information on the outdoor fire ban and the restriction on the use of fireworks, please contact the District Forest Office in your area. Contact numbers can be found at www.gov.nl.ca/nr/department/contact/forestry/forestry.html

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

2012 06 26             5:00 p.m.