Latest news with #SJRFD
CBC
3 days ago
- Climate
- CBC
St. John's crews battle fire at attached homes in Blackwood Place
Crews from multiple fire departments battled a fire in a residential area in St. John's on Saturday morning. Police were also at the scene of the fire at Blackwood Place off Higgin's Line, where flames were visible from the sidewalk as they burned through two attached townhouses. Ed Sears, platoon commander with the St. John's Regional Fire Department (SJRFD), said the fire seemed to have started outside the building. A neighbour saw the flames and banged on a door to warn residents, who were inside with no idea their homes were ablaze. Sears said all residents got out safely. Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officers will remain on the scene. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. St. John's and the surrounding area are currently under an open-fire ban due to the high to extreme forest fire danger warning. That means no open fires, charcoal barbecues, or outdoor wood-burning appliances are allowed.
CBC
4 days ago
- Climate
- CBC
Fire ban in place across St. John's, Mount Pearl, Paradise and Portugal Cove-St. Philip's
A fire ban is in effect for parts of the Avalon Peninsula — and will be in place at least for the next five days. The St. John's Regional Fire Department and the Portugal Cove-St. Philip's Volunteer Fire Department both announced separate fire bans on Friday morning, spanning across St. John's, Mount Pearl. Paradise and Portugal Cove-St. Philip's, citing the high fire hazard rating for the area. The bans include outdoor wood-burning appliances, charcoal barbecues and open fires, but excludes propane fire pits and barbecues. Both bans are in place until at least June 3. "In the meantime, SJRFD are asking people to be fire safe when using propane fire pits and barbecues, to keep a hose or fire extinguisher handy and follow manufacturer's requirements regarding clearances from combustible materials," said the statement. It comes as a wildfire threatens Churchill Falls in Labrador. Due to dry conditions, Happy Valley-Goose Bay has already implemented a fire ban.
CBC
6 days ago
- Climate
- CBC
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.
