Multiple fire bans in effect across N.L. as areas reach extreme risk of forest fire

Multiple towns across the province have put in fire bans just days before Canada Day celebrations kick off.

Newfoundland and Labrador's fire hazard map, last updated on Sunday at 2:10 p.m., indicates high and very high ratings for many parts of the province. Three areas, near Burgeo, Baie Verte and Hopedale, all have extreme ratings.

In Labrador, Labrador City and Wabush have posted fire bans on social media.

"This ban includes open burning, fireworks, backyard fire pits, wood/coal burning BBQs, cooking stoves and backyard smokers that use fuels such as wood and briquettes," Labrador City wrote in a social media post.

The Baie Verte Fire-Rescue, Springdale Volunteer Fire Department and South Brook Volunteer Fire Department have also used social media to issue fire bans. This area is at extreme risk of fire and has dangerous forest conditions.

According to the provincial government website, an extreme rating means new fires will start easily, so many forest-related activities will be banned for public safety.

In the Eastern Avalon region, which has a very high fire hazard rating, the Torbay Volunteer Fire Department and the Pouch Cove Fire Department have issued fire bans on social media.

"Our area has moved to the Very High fire index which means no open fires allowed, as per the forest fire index," the Torbay Volunteer Fire Department wrote in its post. "Everything is very dry at this time and a forest fire risk is high."

The provincial website says very high conditions means fire risk is serious due to dry forest vegetation, and open fires are prohibited.

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