Tonight (Thursday, November 5), is Guy Fawkes Night and the Provincial Government is reminding residents to ensure bonfires are conducted in a safe and legal manner.

Residents are advised that it is against the law to openly burn plastics, tires, asphalt products, paint products, used oil, household garbage, and treated wood. In areas where bonfires are permissible, residents are cautioned to take the following steps:

• Fires should be placed on a gravel base eight to 10 metres from trees or structures;
• Bonfire organizers should ensure ready access to fire extinguishing tools and supplies;
• Once finished, the fire should be fully extinguished using water and/or gravel.
• Only adults should add material to the fire;
• Children should be kept at a safe distance at all times and closely supervised by guardians around a bonfire;
• Flammable liquids should not be used to start or accelerate a fire;
• Aerosol cans and pressurized gas cylinders such as propane tanks should not be  added to a fire;
• Property owners in the area of the fire should ensure all combustible materials are properly secured; and
• The bonfire area should be cleared and returned to its previous condition after the event.

Residents are encouraged to attend a community-sponsored event but for those who choose to hold a private bonfire, please ensure you are complying with regulations and legislation and contact your municipality, Local Service District, Inuit Community Government, or local fire department for more information.

This year, Public Health is reminding communities and residents to abide by COVID-19 guidelines for outdoor gatherings. Organizers of Guy Fawkes Night activities are reminded of the 100 person maximum for outdoor events. The use of public spaces must also be able to accommodate attendees by allowing at least six feet of physical space around individual bubbles. Residents are reminded they must stay home from Guy Fawkes Night activities if feeling unwell.

For additional recommendations and guidelines for outdoor events, please visit www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19.

– 30 –

Media contact
Lesley Clarke
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-6985, 699-2910
LesleyClarke@gov.nl.ca