Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador are reminded that permits to burn are required as part of the regulations in effect during the official forest fire season, which begins on the island on May 1 and in Labrador on May 15, and extends into late September.
“Newfoundlanders and Labradorians love to spend time in the woods, camping, fishing, hiking and enjoying the outdoors with family and friends,” said the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. “To help ensure residents, property, and resources remain safe, people are reminded to exercise care and caution when in the woods, especially at this time of the year.”
During forest fire season, a permit to burn is required at no cost for lighting outdoor fires to clear land or burn brush within 300 metres of a forest. Permits and regulations can be obtained at regional or district forest management offices around the province. The lighting of fires for cooking and camping does not require a permit, but certain forest fire regulations must be followed.
Information on the forest fire season and regulations are available at www.nr.gov.nl.ca/nr/forestry/fires/index.html
In 2012, the department’s fire suppression staff responded to 197 fires. The department has seasonal forest firefighters stationed throughout the province and a toll-free number is available to report forest fires during forest fire season. The number is 1-866-709-FIRE(3473).
The Provincial Government operates a fleet of five waterbombers and four light helicopters which are strategically situated around the province in Gander, Deer Lake, St. John’s, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Wabush, and are available to respond should the need arise.
