Burn Ban (Fire Closure Order) - Frequently Asked Questions

1.    Why was the fire ban (fire closure order) put in place?

The ban on outdoor burning is in place to keep all people safe including volunteer and government fire fighters. Almost all wildland fires on Prince Edward Island are the result of fires that have escaped from a controlled outdoor burn.

2.    What is prohibited, or permitted, during a fire ban (fire closure order)?

Campfires:

• Campfires are not allowed until the fire closure order is removed, regardless of the Fire Weather Index (FWI) or county burn restriction.  
• This includes campfires in Provincial Parks, on public lands, private campgrounds, and private properties.

Burning permits:

• All burning permits (which are required for Category 2, 3 and 4 burns) are suspended.
• Category 1 fires (small fires on personal property) do not require permits but are also banned under the order.

Cooking:

• Charcoal and propane barbeques are allowed.  However, burning or smoldering charcoal briquettes must not be placed on the ground.  
• After cooking, briquettes must be completely extinguished, and ashes disposed in an non-combustible storage device.  

Outdoor propane fire pits:

• These are allowed but must be well away from any combustible materials.

Enclosed fires (Chimineas)

• All wood burning is prohibited, regardless of appliance used. This includes enclosed wood burning devices, like chimineas.

Fireworks

• The display, sale, and possession of fireworks is prohibited in Prince Edward Island, except by permit.
• All permits are suspended during an open fire ban.

Additional cautions

• As is always recommended when operating motorized equipment, ensure chainsaws and other motor driven devices have working spark arresters and proper mufflers and carry a dry chemical fire extinguisher pack.  
• Do not use a machine that is backfiring.
• Carry a portable fire extinguisher in your vehicle.
• Also, use caution with propane burners, welding torches or arc welding devices by ensuring there are no burnable materials under or close by the burner or welder and have a fire extinguisher present.      

3.    Are fines increased during a fire ban (fire closure order)?   

Fines under the Forest Fire Prevention Act are enforced while a fire closure order is in place. Fines can reach up to $50,000, plus victims of crime costs.

In addition, a person causing a fire may be liable for all damages arising from the fire.

4.    Does the fire ban (fire closure order) apply to the National Park?

Parks Canada is a separate legal entity that establishes its own rules in respect to campfires and other open fires.  

Please check with Parks Canada for current information on any restrictions within their borders.

5.    When will the fire ban (fire closure order) be lifted?

Several factors will be taken into consideration before the ban is lifted. Generally, there needs to be a reduction in the potential for any fire that could escape to become a major wildland fire.

When officials have determined that it is safe to remove the fire ban, government will make a public announcement through both traditional and social media sources, and will post a notice on the government website www.princeedwardisland.ca