Newfoundland and Labrador has declared a province-wide fire ban, effective immediately, as wildfire risk continues to rise.
The ban, under Section 99 of the Forestry Act, is due to elevated Fire Weather Index ratings and ongoing wildfire activity in Labrador. It applies across the entire province and will remain in place until July 17, 2026.
The ban means permits to burn grass, brush or other materials are cancelled. Fireworks and sky lanterns are also banned.
Wood-fueled fires are not allowed on forest land, within 300 metres of forest land, or on land with flammable vegetation. Forest land is defined broadly. It can include forests, yards, fields, parks, paths, greenbelts, dry marsh, bogland and barrens. Flammable vegetation includes living or dead plant material that can easily catch fire and help flames spread.
Some outdoor cooking is still allowed, but with caution. Gas or propane barbecues may be used safely, and enclosed smoker units used for food preservation are permitted. Gas, kerosene, alcohol, propane or charcoal-burning units can only be used if they are at least 3.5 metres away from trees, brush or other flammable material.
Anyone travelling through grassy or wooded areas must carry a fire extinguisher with at least 225 grams of ABC-class dry chemical. All-terrain and motorized vehicles used on forest land must also have a muffler and a spark-prevention screening or baffling device.
Officials are reminding people that coals from barbecues or other burning units must be fully extinguished before disposal.
Violating the fire ban can lead to minimum penalties of $50,000. To report a wildfire, call 1-866-709-FIRE, or 1-866-709-3473.