Corner Brook implements fire ban

Corner Brook implements fire ban

Municipalities watching provincial fire hazard map for daily updates

Corner Brook — one of the largest municipalities in Newfoundland and Labrador — is the latest to institute a fire ban.

As of Thursday afternoon, campfires and backyard fires are not allowed within city limits, and burning permits are cancelled until further notice.

"We just want to jump ahead and put out the precautionary measures, and hopefully it's not for too long," said Daniel Eisenhauer, assistant deputy chief of the Corner Brook Fire Department.

"Be safe. Let's think fire smart," he told CBC News on Thursday.

Eisenhauer said propane barbecues, camping stoves and propane fireplaces and heaters can still be used. However, he said these should be away from any flammable material, and a fire extinguisher should be nearby.

Fireworks were already not allowed in the city, with the exception of certain hours on New Year's Eve and Canada Day.

Ban instituted after change to fire hazard rating

The ban is precautionary and came as a response to the daily update of the province's fire hazard map. Western Newfoundland was deemed high risk on Thursday, indicating the threat of a wildfire was increasing.

Conditions on the Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands' fire hazard map can change in a single day. Labrador City was ranked at a very high risk level on Wednesday. By Thursday, the assessment dropped to moderate.

The Town of Musgrave Harbour also implemented a fire ban on Thursday. The community was deemed a very high risk area on Thursday, according to the fire hazard map.

On social media, the town reminded residents that extreme caution is needed in wooded areas, including for ATV use, or when using chainsaws and other machinery.

In Corner Brook, Eisenhauer is hoping to see some rain in the forecast.

"The forest is still trying to green and get some moisture into it. The ground is very, very dry," he said.

This year's forest fire season began on May 1 and ends Sept. 30 in Newfoundland. In Labrador, it runs from May 15 to Sept. 30.

The provincial Forestry Act was subject to updates in the spring sitting of the House of Assembly.

A news release issued by the provincial government stated that changes expand the listed fire-related offences and the authority of forestry officials.

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Ashley Fitzpatrick is a reporter with CBC News based in St. John’s.