Forest Fire Weather Index Extreme

The Forest Fire Weather Index has reached the extreme level in south-eastern Prince Edward Island. This is the first time this year that the index has reached this level.

"Despite last night's rain, the forest fire danger in the rest of the province remains at high," said Agriculture and Forestry minister Eric Hammill. "All fire permits are invalid under the current fire weather conditions, including those for land clearing, debris control and other burns requiring forest fire permits."

Small camp fires in properly located or constructed fire pits situated so that they do not endanger forests or dry vegetation will still be allowed. The minister is asking all camp ground operators to ensure there is fire suppression equipment such as shovels and buckets of water adjacent to each fire pit.

The department is estimating that it will take several days of steady rain to reduce fire danger in the forest. The public is being asked to promptly report any forest fires to the provincial forest fire service at 1-800-237-5053 toll free.

For more information, contact Dan McAskill at (902) 368-4802 or George Coade at (902) 368-4806.