Concerned about the growing potential for dry weather to lead to serious fires, provincial fire officials are asking Islanders to be extremely careful with any outdoor flames.
The recent warm and windy weather led to a major fire in the Ten Mile House area on Thursday. The fire burned approximately 20 hectares (50 acres) of forest creating thick choking smoke which forced officials to close a section of Route #2 and caused Maritime Electric to shut off power to several homes in the area. Firefighters from five fire brigades, the Forests, Fish and Wildlife Division, and Parks Canada responded to the fire.
Dan McAskill, Forest Fire program manager with the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry expressed thanks to the staff and volunteers who helped to control Thursday’s fires.
While mop-up and investigation operations are ongoing, Mr. McAskill is concerned about the growing potential for more serious fires in other areas of the province.
“The long-range forecast is for a continuation of this warm and dry weather,” he said. “The current Fire Weather Index is High in northeastern PEI and Very High in the central and southeast areas, so we are asking everyone to be extremely careful with any outdoor flames.”
Mr. McAskill indicated that most fires are caused by people burning brush and other debris. If these fires escape, they can endanger homes, properties and the lives of local people, and limit the ability of firefighters to respond to other emergencies. As well, the cost to suppress these fires can be tens of thousands of dollars and can result in civil suits and charges being laid.
From March 15 to December 1, people are required to have a Burning Permit before conducting any outdoor burning. This permit is only valid when used under the proper conditions. When the Fire Weather Index is Moderate or higher and wind speeds exceed 10 km/hr, the burning permit is no longer valid.
Mr. McAskill emphasized that it is the responsibility of the permit holder to check the forecast and have accurate Fire Weather Index information before initiating any fire. Burning Permits are only valid for the materials specified on the permit. Garbage, old tires, plastics, treated lumber, and other such materials cannot be burned legally under the permit and must be disposed of through other methods. As well, most Island towns and cities restrict or prohibit outdoor burning of any material, so these permits do not allow the holder to violate local requirements.
Fire Weather Index information is available from any forest district office, online at www.gov.pe.ca/go/fwi, or by calling (902) 368-4800 after hours to hear an automated Fire Weather Index recording.