Fire bans in effect for communities across N.L. ahead of warm weekend

A growing number of fire bans are in effect for parts of Newfoundland and Labrador — and will be in place at least for the next five days.

The St. John's Regional Fire Department and the Portugal Cove-St. Philip's Volunteer Fire Department both announced separate fire bans on Friday morning, spanning across St. John's, Mount Pearl. Paradise and Portugal Cove-St. Philip's, citing the high fire hazard rating for the area.

Around noon, Conception Bay South announced it was also implementing a fire ban, effective immediately.

The town of Gander issued a municipal fire ban on Friday afternoon.

Fire Chief Dave Shea says that means no burning of any kind, but propane appliances can still be used.

"One of the primary goals is education," he said.

"If people know and people understand what's happening, then they can keep their property safe, which keeps their neighbours and their neighbourhood safe."

Gander Fire Rescue is hosting a wildfire preparedness day on Saturday. Mascots will be there to inform children on how to stay safe during the summer, and residents can take home pamphlets with tips.

But Newfoundland and Labrador Premier John Hogan says he has no plan to enact a province-wide ban.

"We're not going to put bans in for the sake of putting bans in," he told reporters Friday.

Hogan said things can change on a day-to-day basis and the government will continue to monitor hot spots throughout the province during the summer months.

Provincial forest fire duty officer Jeff Motty is applauding municipalities for their fire prevention and mitigation efforts.

He's encouraging people to stay informed of the fire risks in their areas heading into the weekend. 

"Just know that we all have a shared responsibility when it comes to wildfire prevention," Motty said in an interview with CBC Radio's On The Go Friday evening.

He said that includes following the rules of fire bans where they apply.

The bans on the Avalon Peninsula include outdoor wood-burning appliances, charcoal barbecues and open fires, but excludes propane fire pits and barbecues.

All three bans are in place until at least June 3.

"In the meantime, SJRFD are asking people to be fire safe when using propane fire pits and barbecues, to keep a hose or fire extinguisher handy and follow manufacturer's requirements regarding clearances from combustible materials," said a statement from the department.

The C.B.S. Fire Department is also asking people to take precaution when using propane fire pits or barbecues, by keeping a hose or fire extinguisher nearby.

It comes as a wildfire threatens Churchill Falls in Labrador.

Due to dry conditions, Happy Valley-Goose Bay has already implemented a fire ban.

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