Tonight (November 5) is Guy Fawkes Night and the Provincial Government reminds residents to ensure 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, residents are cautioned to take the following steps:

• Fires should be placed on a gravel base at least eight to 10 meters 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
• The bonfire area should be cleared and returned to its previous condition after the event.

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

This year, Public Health is reminding communities and residents to abide by COVID-19 guidelines for outdoor gatherings for your area. Organizers of Guy Fawkes Night activities are reminded that the current guidelines for Step 2 state that no more than 500 people outdoors or indoors are permitted, provided the gathering is operated by a recognized business or organization and where physical distancing may be maintained. Personal gatherings, both indoor and outdoor, are limited to the number of people who can fit in the space with physical distancing. The use of public spaces must also be able to accommodate attendees by allowing at least six feet of physical space around individual bubbles. Residents are reminded they must stay home from Guy Fawkes Night activities if feeling unwell.

For additional recommendations and guidelines for outdoor events, please visit www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19.

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Media contact
Danielle Barron
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-5188, 691-2944
daniellebarron@gov.nl.ca