P.E.I. latest province to ban outdoor burning amid dry conditions, wildfire fears

A ban on all types of outdoor burning is in effect across Prince Edward Island as of Wednesday, while the province is looking at additional measures to combat potential wildfires during a dry spell across Atlantic Canada.

There is an exemption for fires being used for cooking or heat, but the P.E.I. government is asking anyone who lights one of those to be mindful of their surroundings and make sure the fire is completely out before they leave. 

Open-fire bans are currently in place in all four Atlantic provinces due to the elevated fire risk. 

Nova Scotia has also restricted hiking, camping, fishing and all-terrain vehicle use in wooded areas. Meanwhile, New Brunswick is sending water bombers to help fight ongoing wildfires in Newfoundland and Labrador. 

According to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, the national preparedness level is currently at a five on a five-point scale as of Wednesday. That means the potential for new, significant wildland fires is "high to extreme," and the demand on firefighting agencies and their resources is high.  

Mike Montigny, manager of field services with P.E.I.'s forests, fish and wildlife division, said this province is experiencing similar dry conditions as its neighbouring provinces.

"When we're looking at our forecast, we're not seeing a lot of precipitation coming into the... foreseeable future," he said. "We're aware of that and that's why we're looking at the data every single day."

Montigny said provincial officials have been in talks about adding more measures to prevent wildfires — including possibly restricting trail use as Nova Scotia did. 

"I completely understand why Nova Scotia has gone that way, and if and when those conditions are right for us here, absolutely that will be the recommendation that's made," he said, adding that officials are looking at data to ensure their decisions are backed by science.

The current restrictions on Nova Scotia's provincial Crown land are in effect until Oct. 15, or until weather conditions allow them to be lifted. Violations could result in a $25,000 fine.

Many national parks in Nova Scotia have also been closed, which has impacted the province's forestry and mining sectors.

Montigny said many of P.E.I.'s wildland firefighters have had recent practice through deployments to the Yukon, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

"We have staff on standby during the entire fire season," he said. "We've been able to keep their skills sharp, so whenever we need them, they're ready to go."