The 2025 forest fire season will be in effect on the Island of Newfoundland beginning Thursday, April 24, and in Labrador on Thursday, May 15. The season will start earlier than usual on the island portion of the province due to current dry conditions, with approximately 40 wildfires already reported. Forest fire season is in effect until September 30 for the entire province.
A burn permit is required to burn vegetation, wood and paper products during forest fire season. Permits are free and available at provincial forest management district offices.
Burn permits are not required for backyard fires, recreational campfires or boil-ups on or within 300 metres of forest land if the fire is prepared in accordance with strict Provincial Forest Fire Regulations.
Anyone planning an outdoor fire should first check the daily Forest Fire Hazard Map to determine the level of forest fire risk in their area. Active wildfire information is updated in real time on the NL Active Wildfire Dashboard.
Wildfire suppression teams, water bombers and helicopters are strategically located throughout the province and ready to respond to wildfires. Additional forest firefighting resources are available through mutual resource sharing agreements with other provinces.
Budget 2025 is allocating $4.2 million for the Atlantic Wildfire Centre, with a total commitment of $32 million. The vision for the Atlantic Wildfire Centre is to strengthen and enhance the province’s wildland firefighting resources and support wildfire suppression crews in the air and on the ground.
To report a wildfire, call 1-866-709-FIRE (3473).
Quote
“Newfoundland and Labrador’s wildland fire crews are prepared to deliver effective wildfire management and emergency responses to protect our forests, communities and people. Great progress on work to develop the Atlantic Wildfire Centre will also improve our ability to support communities throughout the province. Preparing for the threat of wildfire is a shared responsibility – we all have a part to play when it comes to preventing wildfire. Please be cautious when burning in or near forested areas, and refrain from burning grass in the spring.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
-30-
Learn more
Public Reminders for Forest Fire Season
Provincial Forest Fire Regulations
Follow us on X @GovNL and @FFA_GovNL
Like FFA on Facebook