Today’s warm and windy weather has created quite a few headaches for Island firefighters. Grass fires have been reported across the province requiring many fire brigades and staff from the Forest, Fish and Wildlife Division to respond. No losses have been reported, but fire managers are concerned about the potential for these fires to damage structures and properties.
“Some people believe that burning off old grass is a good practice, but all too often it leads to destruction of homes, farm buildings and other structures,” noted Dan McAskill, Fire Manager with the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry. “Dry grass is a highly combustible fuel. When combined with plenty of oxygen, warm temperatures, and high winds, even a small fire can quickly get out of control.”
While the current Fire Weather Index is low, high warm winds are fanning grass fires and creating nuisance fires in many communities. McAskill cautioned that, if these fires escape, they can quickly endanger homes, properties and the lives of local people while limiting the ability of fire fighters to respond to other emergencies. However, snow and damp forest conditions means that these fires will probably not enter local woodlands.
Burning Permits are required for any outdoor fire from March 15 - December 1 each year, and burning can only occur when the Fire Weather Index (FWI) is Low and wind speeds are 10 km/hr or less. It is responsibility of the permit holder to check the forecast and have accurate FWI information before initiating any fire. They must also have adequate personnel and resources on hand to prevent the fire from escaping.
The forecast is warm and windy for the weekend, creating additional concerns for fire managers.
Burning Permits and Fire Weather Index information are available from any forest district office, on-line at www.gov.pe.ca/go/fwi, or by calling (902) 368 4800 after hours to hear an automated FWI recording.