11-08-2025
No campfires or bonfires allowed as fire ban takes effect across Prince Edward Island
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Fines for violating ban in midst of drought can reach up to $50,000, province warns
All open fires, including campfires and bonfires, are now banned across Prince Edward Island as drought-like conditions raise the risk of wildfires across the province and much of Atlantic Canada.
In a news release Monday, the provincial government said Environment, Energy and Climate Action Minister Gilles Arsenault had issued the order banning all outdoor burning on private property and at provincial parks and campgrounds.
"With forest fires burning in other provinces and the hot dry weather continuing in P.E.I., we need to take every possible step to keep residents and our forests safe," Arsenault was quoted as saying in the news release.
Domestic brush burning remains prohibited. Existing permits for industrial and agricultural burns are now revoked, regardless of weather conditions, the release said.
Charcoal and propane barbecues are still allowed, but officials urge people lighting them to use caution. That includes ensuring used briquettes are fully extinguished and disposed of safely.
Media Video | Hot, dry weather continues in P.E.I. amid burning restrictions
Caption: The hot, dry summer is making it tough on Island farmers and landscapers. Some municipalities have also issued fire bans and are asking residents to try to use less water. CBC's Laura Meader reports.
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Violations under the Forest Fire Prevention Act can lead to fines of up to $50,000, plus victims of crime surcharges. Anyone found responsible for causing a fire may also be liable for all resulting damages.
On Saturday, Parks Canada said a fire ban would be imposed at all Prince Edward Island National Park sites effective Sunday to reduce wildfire risk during the current dry spell.
Wider regional restrictions
The ban comes as other Atlantic provinces continue to enforce open-fire bans due to the elevated fire risk, with crews now battling active wildfires in New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Nova Scotia has restricted hiking, camping, fishing and all-terrain vehicle use in wooded areas.
New Brunswick has also banned public access to Crown land, prohibiting camping, fishing, hiking, driving into the woods and using trail systems.
Like most of the Maritimes, Prince Edward Island is under a heat warning through Wednesday. With humidity, temperatures could reach 31 C but feel as high as 39 C.
The province is encouraging Islanders to take steps to protect their homes from wildfire risk by following FireSmart guidelines, such as clearing vegetation close to buildings and keeping gutters free of debris.
