With the Fire Hazard Forecast currently indicating a Very High or Extreme risk of wildland fire in many areas on the island portion of the province, residents are reminded to be extremely cautious when using fire.

Under the Forest Fire Regulations , when the Fire Hazard Rating is High, Very High, or Extreme for a region, all permits to burn for that region are suspended. When the hazard rating is Very High or Extreme, open or outdoor fires are not permitted. Please check the daily Fire Hazard Forecast Map at www.faa.gov.nl.ca/forestry/forest_fires/fire_hazard_map_forecast.html to see if open burning is permitted in your region. This map is updated twice daily, at approximately 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Maps showing the actual fire hazard on a given day are also available at www.faa.gov.nl.ca/forestry/forest_fires/fire_hazard_map.html and are updated at 2:30 p.m. only.

Under the Forestry Act, a permit to burn is required to burn brush on forested land or within 300 metres of forest land during this forest fire season, in effect from May 1 to September 30 (May 15 to September 30 in Labrador). Permits to burn and copies of the Forest Fire Regulations are available by contacting district forestry and wildlife offices. Failure to comply with a permit or condition of a permit to burn is an offence. Those failing to comply are liable on summary conviction to penalties as specified under the Forest Fire Offence and Penalty Regulations .

With more than 80 per cent of wildfires on the island portion of the province caused by people, extreme caution is advised relating to burning and use of vehicles or forestry equipment near forested land. Residents are responsible for ensuring safe conditions exist prior to starting a fire, and are reminded to follow safe burning practices when burning brush or debris or having a campfire, and ensuring fires are extinguished. Chainsaws, harvesting equipment and all-terrain vehicles (ATV) must be equipped with appropriate mufflers and spark arrestors to prevent sparks or flammable debris from escaping. When using a chainsaw or riding an ATV on forested lands, users must carry a fire extinguisher containing a minimum of 225 grams of ABC class dry chemical.

To report a wildfire, please call 1-866-709-FIRE (3473). For more information on forest fire prevention, please visit www.faa.gov.nl.ca/forestry/forest_fires/

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Media contact
Linda Skinner
Fisheries and Land Resources
709-637-2284, 632-8167
lindaskinner@gov.nl.ca