The Island Forest Weather Index is now HIGH. Effective immediately all Burning Permits are invalid until weather conditions improve.
Firefighters across the Island were busy this past weekend with grass and brush fires, which were made even more dangerous by the warm, dry and windy weather. Higher temperatures and gusty winds are forecast for the next few days, and fire managers are concerned about the potential for more serious fires.
“The time, effort and expense required to respond to these nuisance fires created many headaches for fire fighters last weekend,” said Dan McAskill, Fire Manager with the Department of Agriculture and Forestry. “Dry grasses and brush are highly combustible fuels and even a small fire can quickly get out of control when weather conditions are warm and windy.”
McAskill said since the winter snow is now gone from most forest areas, there is greater potential for larger fires that can destroy forests, farm buildings, homes and other structures.
Provincial Fire Marshal Dave Rossiter encouraged Islanders not to conduct any outdoor burning.
“A person who starts a fire can be charged under the Fire Prevention Act, and held liable for costs associated with fire suppression, damage to structures, or personal injury.” he said. “It is important to remember that when fire fighters are spending their effort and resources to fight nuisance fires, they are not available for other emergencies.”
Excluding towns and cities that have their own bylaws, burning permits are required for outdoor fires from March 15 - November 30 each year. For most permits, burning can only occur when the Fire Weather Index is low and the wind speed is less than 10 km/hr.
There is no cost for Burning Permits. When conditions allow, permits can be obtained from any Forests, Fish and Wildlife Division office. The permit holder must comply with the rules and regulations for outdoor burning.
The Fire Weather Index is available at www.gov.pe.ca/forestry/fire, or by calling any Forests, Fish and Wildlife Division office or 902-368-4800 after-hours for an automated recording.