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Forest fire
Forest
Q.
We plan a cookout on the beach.   Do I need a permit in order to light a bonfire?
A.
During fire season - from April to October - you must have permission from Natural Resources if your campfire will be within 60 metres of forested land. Here is what you do: Dial 1-866-458-8080. A recorded message will indicate whether this is a 'burn day' by category and county. A campfire is usually a Category 1 fire. A beach is a relatively safe environment - however, given the right conditions, it could pose a threat. Therefore, it is important to verify burn conditions. During the rest of the year, permission to burn must be obtained from your local Environment office.

 

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Q.
Is burning the only means of disposal?
A.
There are other methods. You might consider mulching, composting or hauling debris to a local landfill.

 

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Q.
Do I need a permit to burn wood debris?
A.
It depends on the type of fire and where you plan to burn. For small amounts of brush and debris (Category 1) fires, you must call toll-free 1-866-458-8080 or 444-5445 (in the Fredericton area) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Information will be updated daily during fire season. You must have the landowner's permission before igniting a fire on private land.

 

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Q.
When is fire season?
A.
Fire season usually runs from the third Monday in April until the end of October.

 

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Q.
What can I burn?
A.
 The following information applies only to non-treated, woody material. (Certain material, such as pressure treated wood, is not allowed to be burned under any circumstances.)

    Category 1 fire
  • Piles three metres in diameter or smaller
  • Piles no more than two metres high
  • Burning within 60 metres of forest land
  • Multiple piles must be at least 10 metres apart
  • No more than four piles burning at one time
  • Must be attended at all times

If you light a fire, you must make sure it is extinguished before leaving the area.

 

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Q.
What type of permission will I be given?
A.
  • Burn
  • Burning permitted between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.
  • No burning allowed.

 

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Q.
Do the guidelines for burning apply everywhere in N.B.?
A.
No. Cities and towns have their own bylaws. Some villages also have their own bylaws that restrict burning. It is your responsibility to find out if your village has its own bylaw. If it doesn't, your area is governed by the provincial guideline.

 

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Q.
What type of fire requires more detailed permission?
A.
The following types of fires require permits and inspection by a Forest Services officer from Natural Resources:
 
Category 2 Fire
 
  • More than three metres in diameter
  • Piles no more than two metres high
  • Burning within 100 metres of forest land
  • For purposes other than prescribed burning and burning established blueberry fields
  • More than four piles burning at one time
  • Requires written permit and pre-inspection.

(Prescribed burning is the knowledgeable application of fire to a piece of land for a specific forest management or other land use.)
Category 3 Fire
  • Any size fire that treats existing blueberry fields
  • Requires written permit and pre-inspection
  • Specific guidelines from Natural Resources must be followed
Category 4 Fire
  • Prescribed burning
  • Requires written burn plan to be submitted to Natural Resources, a pre-inspection and a written permit with departmental guidelines attached.
  • Burning grass
Failure to comply with any of the above is an offence.
For information:    District offices

 

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