Province-wide Fire Ban Lifted!
The province-wide outdoor fire ban in Newfoundland and Labrador has officially been lifted. The ban, which had prohibited all outdoor fires on or within 300 metres of forested land, was enacted under Section 99 of the Forestry Act due to elevated fire risks in recent weeks.
With the ban now lifted, the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture is reminding residents that fire safety rules are still in place, especially with Forest Fire Season continuing until September 30.
“A Permit to Burn is still required to burn brush and other materials during Forest Fire Season,” the department said in a release.
“These permits are free and can be obtained at your local Forest Management District Office.”
It’s important to note that Permits to Burn are not required for backyard fires, campfires, or boil-ups within 300 metres of forested areas — as long as the fire is contained in a wood-burning unit that meets provincial safety standards. That means:
The fire must be completely enclosed in a non-combustible unit,
Screened to prevent sparks,
Raised off the ground,
Set on a non-combustible surface at least 1.5 square metres in size, and
Located at least 3.5 metres from any flammable materials.
“We urge all residents to do their part to help prevent forest fires,” the Department said.
“Check the current Fire Hazard Rating before lighting any fire, and ensure you are always in compliance with the regulations.”
Here’s what else you need to know:
Permits to Burn are suspended automatically when the fire hazard rating is high, very high, or extreme.
No open fires are allowed at all in regions with a very high or extreme hazard rating.
You can still use gas, kerosene, propane, alcohol, or charcoal-burning devices — but they must be at least 3.5 metres away from flammable materials.
Fire Safety Reminders:
Never leave a fire unattended.
Always have water and tools nearby to extinguish a fire.
Discard ashes and coals on mineral soil, at least 15 metres from any brush or forested area.
ORV users should ensure spark arrestors are in place and carry an ABC-class fire extinguisher (minimum 225 grams) in grassy or wooded areas.
And of course, if you see a wildfire, call 1-866-709-FIRE (3473) immediately.
Should never be lifted. Still too dry. We got to be vigilant.
Hopefully a fire this weekend!
No way! The fire ban should continue until September because it is still too dry. My lawn is too dry, like it’s crispy.
It’s still so dry! I think the fire ban should still be in place. Thanks for the update Eddie😊
Terrible, the ground is still so dry!
I REALLY think this is a mistake. Nl is experiencing the lowest level of rain or waters in ground in it’s history. Like others have said…the ground is very dry .😒
Thanks to your app I had a lovely little fire in my backyard last night!!
I had my hose ready, as always, with two buckets of dirt to throw on it just in case!!
People have to be mindful that there are still dry conditions and risks!
Stop throwing lit objects out of vehicles and when you go in the woods take out what you bring in!!!