The public is reminded to exercise care and caution when using personal fireworks during Canada Day celebrations this weekend.

Provincial forest fire regulations do not restrict the use of personal fireworks; however, individuals are encouraged to check with municipal authorities to ensure the use of personal fireworks do not violate local regulations that may be in effect.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Fire Commissioner is advising municipalities to implement and enforce any applicable municipal bylaws or directives relating to open fires and the discharge of fireworks. Residents in violation of provincial Forest Fire Regulations may be subject to fines and penalties, including costs associated with fighting a forest fire as well as imprisonment.

If you are using fireworks, please note:

• Only use fireworks outdoors in a clear, open area. If applicable, only use in an approved location designated by a community, city or fire department.
• Monitor wind strength and direction to ensure fireworks do not impact buildings, vehicles, overhead obstructions or dry brush/grass.
• Respect your neighbours and their properties. Be aware of the impact fireworks can have on family pets. It is a good idea to advise neighbours with pets that you intend to use fireworks.
• Ensure all spectators are at least 20 metres away from the fireworks at all times;
• Wear eye protection and non-flammable clothing when lighting fireworks.
• Always bury aerial fireworks to half their length either in the ground or in a large bucket filled with soil or sand.
• Always have water ready to soak fireworks after they have fired.
• Wait 30 minutes before attempting to pick up misfired fireworks and never attempt to re-light them. After retrieving them, soak them in water along with used fireworks.
• Dispose of soaked fireworks in an outdoor, fire-resistant garbage can, away from buildings and flammable materials.

In accordance with provincial Fire Protection Services Regulations a person shall not discharge or display family fireworks unless that person is over 18 years of age, discharges fireworks in accordance with instructions printed on each item or package, and exercises care and caution in the discharge of those fireworks.

A reminder that the outdoor fire ban prohibiting setting of fires on forest land or within 300 metres of forest land has been lifted for the Island of Newfoundland but remains in effect for Labrador until further notice. The ban is authorized under the authority of section 99 of the Forestry Act. For more information regarding the fire ban contact your local Forest Management District Office.

Residents are urged to do everything they can to prevent forest fires. Anyone planning a fire should check Public Reminders for Forest Season and current Fire Hazard Ratings for their area for information.

The latest information on the location, status, and size of active wildfires is available from the NL Active Wildfire Dashboard.

To report a wildfire, call: 1-866-709-FIRE (3473).

The Forest Fire Season for the island portion of the province started on May 1 and will remain in effect until September 30, while in Labrador the forest fire season started on May 15, and will remain in effect until September 30.

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