Public Notice: Information Regarding Fire Bans
As we are experiencing an extremely dry summer and finding a large amount of information regarding Fire Ban’s throughout social media. We find the need to clarify some questions residents have surrounding the Provincial Forest fire index and how it affects homeowners here in Our Municipality. Bellow you will find links to the Provincial website where it will provide you with further information on the Forest Fire Season. This is operated by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry & Agriculture. As the Municipality, we work with the Department of Fisheries, Forestry & Agriculture to educate our residents on the “Forest Fire Regulations under the Forestry Act (O.C. 96-178)”
https://www.gov.nl.ca/ffa/public-education/forestry/forest-fires/
We have received many questions regarding the use of personal outdoor wood burning fire pits along with open burning. This link will explain what you need to know to use them safety during the Season.
https://www.gov.nl.ca/ffa/files/QA-2022-Fire-Season.pdf
The Provincial Forest Fire agency updates the Forest Fire Index daily, you can find the Actual & Forecasted hazard maps on the link listed above. It will give you information on the hazards for the day and forecasted for the following day, “Very High or Extreme” means that all outdoor wood burning is suspended, also known as a Fire Ban.
Please refer to the map prior to any outdoor wood burning, if the map shows, “Low, Moderate, High” please follow these guidelines while having an outdoor wood fire;
- The Firepit must be made entirely of non-combustible materials
- Completely contains the fire
- Is screened to prevent the escape of sparks or other burning material
- Is placed on mineral soil or non-combustible material having a surface area of not less than 1.5 square metres
- Is located not less than 3.5 metres from the nearest woods, brush, structures or other flammable material.
- Burn only seasoned Class A materials (wood & paper)
- Ensure wind speeds are not exceeding 25 km/h
- Watch the smoke to ensure it does not bother neighbouring properties
- While burning ensure the spark arrestor (screen) is over the appliance
- Have a way to extinguish the fire, a charged garden hose is best.
- NEVER leave the fire burning unattended. Once you are finished with your fire, we ask that you fully extinguish it.
If your fire gets out of your control do not hesitate to call 911. Quick suppression is essential to ensure life safety, minimal property damage & the protection of our environment.
Note: This information does not include propane appliances such as propane burning fire pits or BBQ’s. At any index level propane appliances are safe and able to be operated.
Thank you for your cooperation,
If you have any further questions feel free to reach out,
Justin Parsons
Director of Protective Services
Town of Bay Roberts
jparsons@town.bayroberts.nf.ca | 1-709-703-0670 ext. 239