Permits Required During Official Forest Fire Season
Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador are reminded that permits to burn are required as part of the regulations in effect during the official forest fire season, which begins on the island on May 1 and in Labrador on May 15, and extends into late September.
“Newfoundlanders and Labradorians love to spend time in the woods, camping, fishing, hiking and enjoying the outdoors with family and friends,” said the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. “To help ensure residents, property, and resources remain safe, people are reminded to exercise care and caution when in the woods, especially at this time of the year.”
During forest fire season, a permit to burn is required at no cost for lighting outdoor fires to clear land or burn brush within 300 metres of a forest. Permits and regulations can be obtained at regional or district forest management offices around the province. The lighting of fires for cooking and camping does not require a permit, but certain forest fire regulations must be followed.
In 2012, the department’s fire suppression staff responded to 197 fires. The department has seasonal forest firefighters stationed throughout the province and a toll-free number is available to report forest fires during forest fire season. The number is 1-866-709-FIRE(3473).
The Provincial Government operates a fleet of five waterbombers and four light helicopters which are strategically situated around the province in Gander, Deer Lake, St. John’s, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Wabush, and are available to respond should the need arise.
Please take time to check smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Keep all things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least 1 meter away from heating equipment. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period, turn off stove. Ensure your family knows the best ways to get out of the home should a fire occur and discuss a family meeting spot for when you have safely exited the home. Residents are encouraged to visit
Search and Rescue
Educating the public about fire prevention
Responding to hazardous material emergency situations
Conducting inspections
Responding to medial emergencies and motor vehicle accidents
You must be physically fit to handle the sustained, intense, physical effort often required to perform these duties.
Forest Fire Season
Residents Encouraged to Act Responsibly During Forest Fire Season
Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador are reminded of the regulations that come into play with the start of the official forest fire season, which begins on the island May 1, and in Labrador, May 15.
Teamwork is everything, whether it is sharing routine tasks at the fire station or providing fire-fighting services at an emergency scene. Firefighters depend on each other to successfully perform their duties.
Fire fighting is not a 9-to-5 job. It is a 24 hours a day, seven days a week public service. It involves responding to emergency situations whenever required including nights, weekends and holidays.
The Town of Holyrood Fire Department trains every Monday night and welcomes anyone interested in becoming a Firefighter to drop by the station or contact Chief Chris Kieley (709-229-4593)
To serve you better in the event of an emergency, please register the civic address of your residence or business at which the ADT Security System is located. To register please contact the Town Office (709-229-7252)
