Release:

PEI’s minister responsible for forestry has issued a fire closure order that bans all fires in the province, including campfires, until further notice. 

The ban on campfires and bonfires includes fires on private property as well at provincial parks and campgrounds.  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. A person causing a fire may be liable for all damages arising from the fire.

“With forest fires burning in other provinces and the hot dry weather continuing in PEI, we need to take every possible step to keep residents and our forests safe,” said Environment, Energy and Climate Action Minister Gilles Arsenault. “Domestic brush burning and burning permits have been suspended for many days now, and today we are taking the extra step to order a fire closure order banning all outdoor burning including campfires, regardless of size or use for the fire.” 

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. 

“In addition to asking residents to avoid burning, the province encourages homeowners and communities to learn more about FireSmart, a program to increase neighbourhood resilience to wildfire,” said Minister Arsenault. “Some simple steps can reduce the chances of a home being negatively affected by wildfire.”

FireSmart Canada recommends making the first 10 metres from your home a non-combustible area. Removing fuel from around your home makes it virtually impossible for fires to spread or continue growing. When there is no fuel that the fire can catch and ignite, fire will not spread; it will lose intensity and burn out.

Actions that can be taken within the 10 meters zone to help keep a home FireSmart:

• Clear vegetation and combustible materials down to the soil, and use non-combustible materials such as gravel, brick or concrete as the landscaping material in gardens.
• Avoid using woody materials and mulch in this zone (highly flammable and can easily ignite).
• Keep gutters and eaves clear of debris. Remove accumulated leaves and needles from roof and gutters.
• Remove combustible material and debris from under decks and porches. Regularly clean and maintain this area.
  

Find more tips for making your home and neighbourhood more resilient at FireSmart.

Additional information on the fire closure order is available at Burn Ban (Fire Closure Order) – Frequently Asked Questions

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.