Preventing wildfires is everyone’s responsibility. Human activity is the main cause of wildfires in Newfoundland and Labrador. Something as simple as a discarded cigarette butt or a spark from an ATV can have dangerous and devastating consequences.
These wildfire are preventable and fighting them could divert crucial resources from other active fires. We all need to do our part to reduce risk.
Fire bans help reduce the likelihood of human-caused fires occurring in regions where the wildfire risk is high. Following provincial and municipal fire bans is essential for public safety. Municipalities can declare their own fire bans under local bylaws or emergency measures.
When a municipal fire ban is in effect, it applies regardless of the provincial Fire Weather Index.
Even if the provincial hazard rating is low or moderate, a municipal ban still stands and must be followed. Municipal bans may remain in place even after a province wide ban is lifted
How do I know if a fire is banned in my region?
This map shows where regional fire bans are in effect and what forest conditions are like in your area. Even if there is no fire ban in effect in your region, be extra cautious if the risk is moderate, high, very high or extreme.
When would the Provincial Government declare a fire ban?
Fires are always banned in areas where the Fire Weather Index is very high or extreme. During periods of dangerous wildfire risk, the Provincial Government may declare regional or provincial fire bans to help protect Newfoundland and Labrador’s residents, communities and natural resources. This helps keep everyone safe and avoids diverting crucial wildfire fighting resources from areas experiencing higher wildfire risk or active fires.
Can I use fireworks during a fire ban?
Fire works and sky lanterns are banned when the Fire Weather Index is high, very high or extreme, or during a fire ban. Anyone who violates provincial forest fire regulations may face fines and penalties, including the costs of fighting a wildfire.
Can I have a fire on my own property during a fire ban?
Wood-fueled fires are not permitted on forest land, within 300 metres of forest land, or on land that contains flammable vegetation during a fire ban.
- Forest land includes any area where natural vegetation grows, such as forests, yards, fields, parks, paths, greenbelts, dry marsh, bogland, and barrens.
- Flammable vegetation includes living or dead plant material that may easily ignite, sustain combustion, and enable the spread of fire.
You may operate a fully contained unit (such as a BBQ) that is fueled by gas, propane, or charcoal, as long as it is used safely. Use extra caution if there is anything flammable nearby.
Can I use an ATV or other off-road vehicle during a fire ban?
Yes. Anyone travelling through forested land on an all-terrain or motorized vehicle during Forest Fire Season is required to have the vehicle fitted with a muffler and a screening or baffling device to prevent sparks or particles of burnt carbon from escaping.
Vehicles must be equipped with a fire extinguisher containing a minimum of 225 grams of ABC-class fire retardant.
An off-road vehicle is a wheeled or tracked motorized vehicle, designed or adapted for cross-country travel on land, water, ice, snow, marsh, swamp land or other natural terrain, and includes:
- Motorized snow vehicles.
- All-terrain vehicles, including side-by-sides.
- Minibikes, dirtbikes and trailbikes.
- Miniature vehicles, such as dune buggies or sport buggies.
- Off-road maintenance machines.
- Amphibious vehicles.