November 5 is Guy Fawkes Night and the Provincial Government is reminding residents to ensure that bonfires are conducted in a safe and legal manner.

Residents are advised that it is against the law to openly burn plastics, tires, asphalt products, paint products, used oil, household garbage, and treated wood. In areas where bonfires are permissible, the department is also cautioning residents to take the following steps:

• Fires should be placed on a gravel base a minimum of eight to 10 metres from trees or structures;
• Bonfire organizers should ensure ready access to fire extinguishing tools and supplies;
• Once finished, the fire should be fully extinguished using water and/or gravel;
• Only adults should add material to the fire;
• Children should be kept at a safe distance at all times and closely supervised by guardians around a bonfire;
• Flammable liquids should not be used to start or accelerate a fire;
• Aerosol cans and pressurized gas cylinders such as propane tanks should not be added to a fire;
• Property owners in the area of the fire should ensure all combustible materials are properly secured; and
• Tidy up the area at the end of the event and return the bonfire area to its previous condition.

Residents are encouraged to attend a community-sponsored event; for those who do choose to hold a private bonfire, please ensure you are complying with regulations and legislation and contact your municipality, Local Service District, Inuit Community Government, or local fire department.

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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca