Communities and residents encouraged to prepare for forest fire season

The provincial Forests, Fish and Wildlife division is reminding Islanders that PEI's wildfire season runs from March 15 to November 15 each year.

Anyone planning on burning brush outdoors must check for burning restrictions by calling 1-800-237-5053 or visiting the province's Safe Burning page. Restrictions are updated daily at 2 p.m.

"Last year's fire season, with the dry weather conditions, reminded us all of the risks of forest fires in PEI. Thankfully, wildfire impact was minimal due to the diligence of our wildfire team, volunteer fire departments, and Islanders. I hope all Island communities will explore every option for preventing forest fires and to get FireSmart before the warm weather arrives. Staying informed helps protect our forests, people and the environment."
- Land and Environment Minister Darlene Compton.

Permits are not required for domestic brush burning (Category 1), but burns can only be conducted after 2 p.m., if conditions allow, and must be fully extinguished by 8 a.m. the following morning. The 2 p.m. start time gives the province time to assess weather data and determine the day's fire danger risk. Wildfire experts remind residents that evening humidity and other factors can help prevent fire from spreading.

Anyone who starts a campfire is responsible for assessing the risk, controlling fire spread, and covering any damages or costs that may arise from that fire.

Campfires do not require burn permits, but in the case of severe fire risk, the province may ban all burning, including campfires. Violating a fire ban order comes with stiff penalties. Any campfire restrictions will be posted at Burning Restrictions. Municipalities and property owners may also have their own rules that restrict burning.

Implementing FireSmart principles can increase neighbourhood resilience if a wildfire does occur. If a property owner can prevent the spark from reaching a home or building, there is a good chance that structure won't be lost in a forest fire. Sparks and embers can quickly ignite certain vegetation which is difficult to extinguish before causing major damage to a home.

Residents can follow some simple tips to FireSmart their homes:

• avoid using mulch around homes because it is highly flammable and can even ignite from a reflection in the right conditions
• regularly remove dry, dead debris from gardens
• keep grass shorter than 10 cm when possible, but avoid mowing in drought conditions
• consider removing softwood (evergreen) trees from up against homes and structures because these trees are more flammable than other species of trees.

"A big focus for our staff this year is community wildfire resiliency. Mitigating fire impacts at the community level will make the biggest difference," said Mike Montigny of Forests, Fish and Wildlife. "Being prepared is always easier than trying to recover from a forest fire. Communities and municipalities can reach out to our team for some help getting started on a community wildfire resiliency plan."

Visit Burning Restrictions for current information on safe burning, updated daily at 2 p.m. during fire season.

Municipalities interested in getting help with a community wildfire resiliency plan can send inquires by email to [email protected]

Media contact:
Katie Cudmore
Department of Land and Environment
[email protected]