PEI’s minister responsible for forestry has extended the fire closure order that bans all fires in the province, including campfires, until September 8 or further notice.
Campfires and bonfires are banned, including fires on private property and at provincial parks and campgrounds. Provincial fire bans do not apply to the national parks, so visitors to Parks Canada facilities must follow any applicable rules set by Parks Canada.
“I am proud of all the residents and visitors who have been respecting the fire closure order and keeping vigilant. I know it has been a busy time for forestry staff, our volunteer fire departments and emergency services personnel, and we thank them all for their hard work in keeping PEI safe. You can help them by doing your part to minimize the risk of forest fire.”
— Environment, Energy and Climate Action Minister Gilles Arsenault
Domestic brush burning, known as category 1 burns, continue to be banned. Permits are now revoked for industrial and agricultural burns, also known as category 2, 3 and 4 permits, regardless of weather conditions.
Fines under the Forest Fire Prevention Act are enforced while a fire closure order is in place. Fines for causing a fire can reach up to $50,000, plus victims of crime costs. Any person who causes a fire during a fire ban may be legally responsible for all damages arising from the fire.
Wildfire smoke from fires in other provinces has been making its way to Prince Edward Island. Residents are asked to use discretion when calling 9-1-1 to report the smell of smoke.
However, it is still important to report sightings of unattended fires. To report a fire or large clouds of smoke, please call 9-1-1.
For questions on the fire ban, call Forests, Fish and Wildlife at 902-368-4683 or 902-368-6450.
Additional information on the fire closure order is available at Burn Ban (Fire Closure Order) - Frequently Asked Questions.
Residents can find tips on how to make their home and neighbourhood more resilient to wildfire at FireSmart.
When officials have determined that it is safe to remove the fire ban, government will make a public announcement and will post a notice at News | Government of Prince Edward Island.
Media contact:
Katie Cudmore
Environment, Energy and Climate Action
katiecudmore@gov.pe.ca
Backgrounder:
Prohibited during a fire closure order (fire ban)
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 Category 2, 3, and 4 burning permits are suspended.
- 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.
Fireworks:
Wood burning:
- All wood burning is prohibited, regardless of appliance used. This includes enclosed wood burning devices, like chimineas.
Allowed during a fire closure order (fire ban)
Please use extreme caution with any combustible materials.
Barbeques:
- 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 of in a non-combustible storage device.