Forest Fire Prevention

FREDERICTON (CNB) -- One of the worst times of year for forest fires is late April and the entire month of May.

Forest fires are dangerous, and all New Brunswick residents are urged to take special precautions to make sure fires are not carelessly ignited. Forest fires needlessly threaten people, kill wildlife and destroy forests that provide a livelihood and recreation for thousands of New Brunswickers.

Grass fires are a major concern for firefighters in early spring. Grass fires that get out of control can cause serious damage in agricultural and forested lands. Forest fire officials encourage people not to light grass fires. Burning dry grass in fields can spread to nearby forests and kill wildlife.

Last year a total of 607 wildfires burned an area of 1213 hectares of land in New Brunswick. To help prevent fires in or near forest land during the forest fire season, the following statutes and regulations are contained in the Forest Fires Act:

1. A burning permit is necessary for burning grass, brush, slash or other debris in or within 100 metres of forest land.

2. A campfire permit and the landowner's permission are necessary for an open campfire, cooking fire or bonfire in or within 15 metres of forest land.

3. Smoking is prohibited while moving from one place to another in forest land.

4. A work permit is necessary for any work in forest land involving two or more people. Firefighting equipment is also required.

5. Power saws must have a proper muffler and be accompanied by a round point shovel or fire extinguisher.

6. Cars, trucks and machinery must have proper exhaust systems when operated in or near forest land. Exhaust spark arresters are required on certain machines.

Forest land means any land outside the boundaries of a city or town and not cultivated for agricultural purposes on which trees, shrubs, plants or grass are growing.

Further information and the required work and burning permits may be obtained at any Department of Natural Resources and Energy regional or district office in New Brunswick.

To report a forest fire, consult the blue pages of your local telephone book, listed under Ranger Offices or the Department of Natural Resources and Energy.