New online map shows wildfire risk across Newfoundland and Labrador

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — As firefighters on Canada’s west coast battle wildfires sweeping through the British Columbia Interior, the country’s eastern-most province is hoping a new tool will help stomp out forest fires before they start.

Newfoundland and Labrador released an online forest fire hazard map Tuesday that provides real-time information about the risk of wildfires throughout the province.

The risk ratings range from low to extreme, and are colour-coded from blue to red. The provincial map is broken down into 23 fire management zones, which are assessed using data from weather stations.

The fire hazard is a relative rating of how easy it is to ignite forest vegetation, how fast a fire may spread and how difficult a fire may be to control.

Land Resources Minister Steve Crocker said the online map will make the province’s emergency response teams more efficient.

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“The ability to access forest fire hazard data in a timely fashion provides forest managers with a valuable tool to monitor wildfire potential,” he said in a statement. “This new online service also gives residents, who are either engaging in forest-related activities or planning to visit various regions of the province, prompt access to important weather and safety information.”

Newfoundland burn permits issued during forest fire season are no longer valid when a high, very high or extreme fire hazard rating exists, Land Resources spokesman Craig Renouf said.

New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island each have some version of an online forest fire weather index.

New Brunswick’s online map indicates weather burning is open, restricted or closed, using green, yellow or red to colour-code the burn index.

Nova Scotia has a similar online map, which indicates whether it’s a “burn day,” “restricted burn day” or “non-burn day.” During wildfire risk season from mid-March to mid-October, all domestic brush burning and campfires must adhere to daily burning restrictions in the province.

P.E.I. has an online gauge for each region of the province, which indicates the latest forest fire weather rating.

The Canadian Press

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