Two forest fires over the last 24 hours have Island firefighters issuing warnings about outdoor burning.
“Yesterday evening, crews responded to a fire on the Souris Line Road. They worked through the night to bring it under control but it consumed about 20 hectares of forest and brush,” stated Ken Mayhew, Information Officer with the Forests, Fish and Wildlife Division. “Last night, more crews responded to another fire in the Wood Islands area which destroyed about three hectares of forests. Both fires are considered to be under control but crews remain on site controlling flare ups and conducting mop up operations.” Soaring temperatures, combined with gusty winds and sunny conditions have dried forest and grassland vegetation creating very hazardous burning conditions. As of today, the Fire Weather Index (FWI) for western PEI is High, while the central and eastern regions are still listed as Moderate. However, Mayhew noted that the fine fuel rating, the primary fuel source for most forest fires, is High across the province. This means that with the good weather forecast to continue for the next few days, elevated fire danger conditions remain until wetter conditions return.
Controlling fire outbreaks requires tremendous effort and time from volunteer firefighters and department staff who spend time on active fire lines trying to protect the lives and properties of others. He noted that “these individuals risk their health and safety each time they respond to a fire, so even a simple grass fire can have tragic results!”
The current weather conditions invalidate all burning permits across the province.
Forest fires should be reported to the provincial forest fire service at 911.