Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Forestry, Agriculture and Lands

Wildfire Management

Fighting Wildfires

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Newfoundland and Labrador’s wildland firefighting crews use the Fire Weather Index, drought maps, weather forecasts and other resources to determine where crews and equipment are positioned during Forest Fire Season.

Wildfire suppression resources, including ground crews, water bombers, and equipment, often move on a weekly or daily basis to respond to changing conditions.

Trained and dedicated wildland firefighters are based in Forestry Management District Offices throughout the province and work to protect people, homes, and communities.

I reported a wildfire. What happens next?

Wildfire response decisions are based on science, experience, and real‑time conditions.

Our crews are trained to recognize fire behavior and all decisions are made based on that knowledge. Each situation is assessed carefully, since fire behaviour and weather conditions can change rapidly.

When a wildfire is reported or detected, wildfire staff will:

  • Assess the location, weather, fuel type, and fire behaviour.
  • Decide what resources are required, such as ground crews or aircraft.
  • Deploy crews and equipment as quickly and safely as possible.

Depending on the situation, firefighters may work to control wildfires by establishing a control line around the fire as soon as possible. The most common method is to pump water from a hose line connected to a fire truck or portable pump.

Crews will also work to separate burning fuels from unburned vegetation

Fire breaks (also called dozer guards) may be used during active wildfires to help slow or stop the spread of a fire. A fire break is an area where vegetation and other burnable material is removed from the fire’s path.

Whether a fire break is used depends on conditions at the time, including:

  • How fast the fire is spreading.
  • The direction it’s moving.
  • The type of vegetation involved.
  • The shape of the land (such as hills, valleys, or wetlands).
  • What is at risk nearby, such as communities, homes, or critical infrastructure.

If a wildfire is too intense for safe ground operations, aircraft may be used to slow or cool the fire until crews can safely continue suppression on the ground. Even after a fire is declared under control, it may continue burning below the surface. Crews watch for and extinguish hot spots to prevent flareups, which can take days or even weeks.

Small fires may be handled by local district staff, while large fires can require hundreds of personnel and an Incident Management Team to manage operations, logistics, and safety.

The only way to fully put out a fire is to get people on the ground. All decisions, including the use of air support, are made with the safety of our crews in mind.

What resources are available to fight wildfires?

Newfoundland and Labrador’s wildfire response includes aircraft, ground crews, equipment, infrastructure and monitoring systems located across the province.

More than 100 wildland firefighters are stationed at 22 Forestry Management District offices throughout the province. All firefighters must pass a physical fitness test, including a weighted uphill walk.

Provincial Duty Officers coordinate with Air Services and district staff to deploy resources.

The Forest Protection Centre in Gander houses the Provincial Forest Fire Equipment Bank and is responsible for purchasing, maintaining, storing and distributing fire equipment used for fighting wildfires throughout the province.

The province’s water bomber fleet is maintained and operated by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure’s Air Services Division. Water bombers are moved as needed to areas of the province where the wildfire risk is highest.

Helicopters are used to transport crews and equipment, drop water on an active wildfire, or map a wildfire’s perimeter and estimate its size.

Forty-four weather stations located throughout the provide data to monitor wildfire risk and guide response decisions. These stations provide the information that generates the daily Fire Weather Index and map.

How do forestry officials decide when and where to use water bombers?

Flying in wildfire conditions is complex and dangerous. It requires careful planning and decision‑making.

A water bomber crew can fly up to two four‑hour missions per day. Since flight time is limited, these hours must be used strategically and in areas where they will be most effective.

Water bombers typically operate during peak burn periods in the afternoon and evening, when wildfire activity is highest. This is also the most hazardous time of day due to increased fire behaviour.

Pilots rely on clear visibility to fly safely. They must always be able to see the land and other aircraft. If smoke or low cloud reduces visibility, pilots may leave an area and move to another part of the fire where they can work safely and effectively.

Wildfires do not always respond to aerial suppression. During times of extreme fire behaviour, air or ground support may be withdrawn and redirected to other areas where conditions are safer and the work of wildfire crews will be more effective.

When would forestry officials call in extra resources to help fight a wildfire?

Newfoundland and Labrador is a member of the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre and the Northeast Forest Fire Protection Compact.

These organizations manage resource sharing between provinces, states, and internationally. Thanks to these partnerships, we can request equipment and crews from other places, or –  when possible – deploy our resources to other areas when they require additional help.

Can I use a drone to film an active wildfire?

Operating drones in the vicinity of forest fires creates unsafe conditions for aerial assets such as water bombers and helicopters.

Unauthorized drone use may force aircraft to ground immediately, delaying suppression efforts and putting firefighters, pilots, and communities at risk.

Federal penalties under the Canadian Aviation Regulations, including fines of up to $3,000 for individuals and $15,000 for corporations for flying in restricted airspace or endangering aircraft. Serious offences can result in criminal charges and jail time.

Can I use my boat near an active wildfire?

Residents are reminded not to use watercraft in bodies of water when aircraft are working in the area.

Recreational watercrafts have prevented waterbombers from picking up water, which hinders wildfire fighting efforts.