Start Thinking About Fire Safety Now

Although April snow and showers reduce the risk of brush and grass fires, we all have to take care to ensure our woodlands are here for future generations.

Provincial fire officials have already seen grass fires move into the woods, something no one wants.

"When the weather is wet, people forget the risk that burning grass and fields can present to the forests," said Charlie Parker, Minister of Natural Resources. "We want people to recognize that risk and manage their fires responsibly now, and when the weather gets warmer and dryer."

A provincial burning permit has been required since April 1, before lighting a fire within 300 metres (1,000 feet) of a wooded area in Yarmouth, Digby, Annapolis, Shelburne, Kings, Queens, and Lunenburg counties, and as of April 15 for the rest of the province.

Permits are available at Department of Natural Resources offices, listed at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/staffdir/offices.asp.

Domestic burning permits for yard cleanup are valid for two weeks and cost $6.05. Industrial burning permits for land clearing, agricultural clearing, and blueberry fields are valid for as long as the job takes and cost $60.50.

People should always check the Department of Natural Resources fire hazard warnings at http://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/wildfire/forecasts.asp and with their municipal office because some towns and municipalities either restrict burning or require their own permit in addition to the provincial permit.

"By this time last year, there were 114 wildfires in the province, destroying 350 hectares of forest lands," said Jim Rudderham, wildfire supervisor with Natural Resources. "Last year was a dry year and open fires were banned for a three-week period. It is too early to say if such measures will be needed again this year. So far, there have been six fires in the province, consuming under six hectares."

Grass burning should be avoided at all times. It carries great risks to people and property and there are significant firefighting costs to taxpayers every year. Burning grass destroys the habitat of many species, such as small birds that nest in tall grass and old vegetation. Grass fires that get out of control threaten wildlife, firefighters, and neighbourhoods.

Contrary to popular belief, burned grass does not grow back greener. A list of grass burning myths and facts is available at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/forestprotection/wildfire/firecentre/grass-burning.asp.