Forest fire season begins in Labrador today, May 15. Fire season on the Island of Newfoundland began April 24 and is now in effect throughout the entire province until September 30.
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 that are 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 daily during forest fire season on the NL Active Wildfire Dashboard.
Trained and dedicated wildland firefighters and aerial resources including water bombers and helicopters are strategically located throughout the province and ready to respond to wildfires. Fire weather indices, drought mapping and weather forecasting help determine where resources such as waterbombers are placed, with assets often moved on a weekly or even daily basis to respond to changing conditions. Resources are assigned in response to science-based assessments of wildfire risk. Additional forest firefighting resources are available through mutual resource sharing agreements with other provinces.
Budget 2025 allocates $4.2 million towards the Atlantic Wildfire Centre, with a total federal-provincial commitment of $32 million until 2030 to increase resources, enhance training and strengthen the province’s ability to tackle wildfires at home and away.
Work on the Atlantic Wildfire Centre is well underway.
- Resource Planning Group Inc. has a contract for $183,025 to develop a plan for the centre’s design phase. A design for infrastructure to improve support for aerial assets is being developed for the Gander and Wabush Airports.
- De Havilland Aircraft of Canada has a contract for $14.8 million to repair the province’s damaged CL-415 water bomber. Work will be done in-province by subcontractor PAL Aerospace.
- The Provincial Government is in the process of procuring two “bird dog” (spotter) aircraft to increase air services.
- Firefighting equipment including fire trucks, command trailers, sprinklers, weather stations, and Nomex suits have been procured.
- Extensive training has been provided to department wildfire-fighting staff.
More than 60 wildfires have been recorded on the Island of Newfoundland so far this season. One fire has been reported in Labrador to date. To report a wildfire, call 1-866-709-FIRE (3473).
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“With a changing climate, the threat of wildfire is increasing and Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are feeling the direct and indirect impacts of wildfire. As always, our wildland fire crews are prepared to deliver effective wildfire management and emergency responses to protect our forests, communities and people. Preparing for the threat of wildfire is a shared responsibility – we all have a part to play. With a high number of wildfires already reported this season, we ask the public to please be cautious and help prevent forest fires.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
-30-
Learn more
Public Reminders for Forest Fire Season
Provincial Forest Fire Regulations
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