The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture is encouraging the public to exercise caution with outdoor fires, as the 2021 forest fire season is set to begin. May 1 to September 30 is forest fire season for the Island portion of the province, while in Labrador the forest fire season is May 15 to September 30.
A permit to burn is required during forest fire season for the purposes of burning grass, brush and other materials. Permits can be obtained by contacting a Forestry and Wildlife District Office during regular business hours.
A permit to burn is not required for backyard fires, recreational campfires and boil ups on forest land, or within 300 metres of forest land, on condition the fire is prepared in accordance with strict Provincial Forest Fire Regulations. Individuals failing to comply with regulations may be subject to fines and penalties, including costs associated with fighting a forest fire.
Individuals are responsible for making themselves aware of the daily forest fire hazard rating before lighting an outdoor fire. The public can view forest fire hazard forecast maps online at the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website where maps are updated daily. Individuals planning fires within a municipality should also check with local fire officials to ensure any burning activity does not violate municipal by-laws related to outdoor fires.
To report a wildfire call: 1-866-709-FIRE (3473).
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“Here in Newfoundland and Labrador our forests and wildlife provide many important benefits to the people of the province. Protecting these precious resources now and for future generations is a priority for the Provincial Government and our professional team of forest fire-fighting personnel. I encourage residents to support our forest protection efforts by acting responsibly and adhering to all regulations when lighting a fire in and around forest areas.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
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Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2923, 640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca