Forest fire season started early. Here's how to prepare in N.L.
Here's how to protect yourself and your home this fire season
18 hours ago
Duration 1:53
Newfoundland and Labrador is facing an early and busy start to the forest fire season.
It's because of the lack of snow over the winter, says forest services conservation officer Sarah Richards.
"Spring grass fires are always a huge concern, especially on the Avalon," Richards told CBC News during a wildfire preparedness event held at Bowring Park in St. John's over the weekend.
The provincial forestry department and the St. John's Regional Fire Department (SJRFD) teamed up to host the event on Sunday.
Richards said they wanted to join forces to help homeowners get ready for the summer, and to promote ways to mitigate risk.
"Something as simple as taking your quad out for a ride, cigarette butts, all that stuff can ignite fires when [the] forest is that dry," she said.
Campfires and bonfires can be risky, too, at the start of fire season.
"[People] don't realize how important it is to make sure those fires are put out," Richards said.
"Soak it well, give it a good stir and then soak it again and just make sure they're actually out."
The province's heavy winds can also contribute to the spread of those fires. Richards recommends considering how high the winds are and how dry the grass is before starting a fire.
As for protecting your home, Richards says the first 30 meters around a property is the main hazard area.
She said embers in the air could get into the mulch in your yard. She recommends keeping the eavestrough clean, lawns mowed and trees trimmed.
More tips are available on the Fire Smart Canada website.
Mindfulness
SJRFD fire prevention officer Cara Pardy says it's likely to be a rough year for forest fires.
She says it's important for people to be mindful when starting fires.
"[A] very important thing is to make sure the fire is out before you go to bed for the night, or before you leave to go outside somewhere," Pardy said.
For backyard fires, Pardy recommends having a fire extinguisher, garden hose, or pails of water nearby.
She also recommends that residents keep an eye on the forest fire index, social media and the news for fire bans in their area.
"The grass is starting to green up now, so we should be safe for a little while until it gets hot and dry, and then things will get more scary again," she said.
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