NL Forest Fire Season starts today

Forestry Minister Elvis Loveless says currently, there are wildfire suppression teams, water bombers, helicopters, and equipment strategically located throughout the province -- ready to respond whenever and wherever they are needed.

The 2024 Forest Fire Season starts today and government says staff were busy preparing during the winter months. Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture Minister Elvis Loveless read a statement in the House of Assembly yesterday. He says with money from the budget, they’ve been getting prepared,  and he encouraged the public to be vigilant in preventing forest fires. With the assistance of funds from Budget 2024, $1.5 million has been invested in new wildland firefighting equipment and a further $1 million has been allocated to match a shared federal funding program to train and equip wildland firefighters.

Loveless says forestry personnel were busy throughout the winter conducting training, testing equipment and planning logistics. He says currently, there are wildfire suppression teams, water bombers, helicopters, and equipment strategically located throughout the province -- ready to respond whenever and wherever they are needed. Every one of us has a role to play in wildfire prevention. For instance, we can proactively protect our properties by removing leaves and other flammable debris and relocating it to a safe distance from dwellings. Meanwhile, the opposition’s Pleaman Forsey says our province is facing a stark reality with a grounded water bomber for half a decade now. He says the lack of this vital equipment leaves us vulnerable. When planning an outdoor fire, check the online Provincial Forest Fire Hazard Index maps on the Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website; familiarize yourself with burning regulations; and obtain a permit to burn when it is required.