Fisheries and Land Resources
June 30, 2017

Public Advisory: Residents Encouraged to Reduce Forest Fire Risk During Canada Day Weekend

The Department of Fisheries and Land Resources is encouraging all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to act safely and responsibly when engaging in forest-related activities during the Canada Day holiday weekend.

As residents plan activities such as camping, ATV riding, using fireworks and burning brush, it is important to be aware of current forest fire regulations, the fire hazard rating, and how to act appropriately to reduce the risk of a forest fire. Forest fire regulations are now 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.

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 metres of forest land. Lighting a fire without a permit is a ticketable offence. A permit is not required for a backyard campfire; however, the following safety tips should be followed:

  • 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.

Forest fire prevention and regulation information is available online at the Department of Fisheries and Land Resources at www.faa.gov.nl.ca/forestry/forest_fires/index.html. Residents can also report forest fires toll-free by calling 1-866-709-FIRE (3473).

- 30 -

Media contact
Craig Renouf
Fisheries and Land Resources
637-2284, 632-8167
craigrenoug@gov.nl.ca

2017 06 30                              1:55 p.m.