The 2023 forest fire season in Newfoundland and Labrador has officially ended with no significant incidents, injuries, or property damage. The public is asked to remain vigilant when setting fires in and around forested areas, as the risk of forest fire remains even after the season is declared to be over.
A total of 101 fires have been recorded so far in 2023, burning a total of 21,883 hectares. The vast majority of area burned occurred in remote parts of Labrador, accounting for 99 per cent of the total area burned for the entire province.
Regional statistics and other forest fire related information is available by visiting the recently launched Newfoundland and Labrador Active Wildfire Dashboard on the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website.
During forest fire season the Provincial Government deployed several fire fighters, Incident Management Team (IMT) members, equipment and water bombers to assist other provinces in battling extreme forest fire conditions. Through the Mutual Aid Resource Sharing agreement with the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, the Provincial Government responded to 18 requests. Over the course of the season, a total of 40 firefighters and 14 IMT members were deployed to Nova Scotia, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon and the North West Territories, while water bombers were also deployed to Nova Scotia and Quebec on multiple occasions.
Through Budget 2023, the Provincial Government invested $5.8 million in additional funding to support forest fire suppression services throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Quotes
“The combination of favourable weather, public awareness about wildfire safety, the efforts of provincial wildland firefighters and assistance provided by local fire departments all contributed to a manageable 2023 forest fire season in Newfoundland and Labrador. A special thank you is also warranted to everyone who served on out-of-province deployments during an extremely challenging forest fire season in many other parts of the country.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
“Our fire suppression team – from the water bomber operators and maintenance crew to the fire fighters on the ground – provides a very important public service to the residents of our province. I commend them for their efforts here at home, as well as the assistance provided to other jurisdictions.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
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Learn more
Newfoundland and Labrador Active Wildfire Dashboard
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