No campfires, no personal fireworks: N.L. puts bans in place until Sept. 30

The government of Newfoundland and Labrador has banned all open fires in or near wooded areas until Sept. 30.

The provincial government says thegoal is toreducethe number of potential wildfires in the province, which wouldrequire responseby fisheries and land resources fire staff, local and volunteer fire departmentsand other first responders during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"Historically, 80 per cent of forest fires in the province are caused by people," said the provincial government in a public advisory Wednesday.

The ban specifically prohibits the setting of all open fires on forest land, or within 300 metres of forest land in all regions of the province.

The ban alsoincludes grass burning, brush burning, campfires and personal fireworks.

The provincial government said gas barbecues and CSA-approved patio fire pitsare excluded from the ban, except in municipalities that have issued theirownban.

"This is consistent with actions being taken by other forest fire fighting agencies in Canada to lower the risks associated with COVID-19 exposure," the advisory reads.

"The minimum fine associated with the violation of the fire ban proclamation is $1,000.The Department of Fisheries and Land Resources has already recorded five wildfires this year related to the burning of grass by individuals."

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