|
|
Overview
The 2004 Forest Fire Season was below the ten-year average in fire starts and
hectares burnt. Despite cool conditions and above normal precipitation in the
Province early in the fire season, by the end of June 60% of the season’s fires
was recorded. Although July and August were hot with minimal rainfall, only fifty-one
(51) fire starts were recorded. Two early forest fires which occurred in 2004 had the
potential to cause serious damage to person and property. An urban interface fire that
threatened the community of Merritt’s Harbor on the northeast coast on May 18th burnt 200
hectares of forest and scrub. A fire which started on May 28th approximately 8 km south
of Grand Falls-Windsor grew in size to 8 ½ km x 1 km within six hours. This fire also had the
potential to be quite serious, however, following the first burning period approximately 39 mm
of rain fell in the area followed by 1 ½ inches of snow the following day.
The Department maintained a fleet of 6 CL215's, a Cessna 338 Skymaster and 4 contract
helicopters for the 2004 Forest Fire Season. The waterbombers spent 99 hours bombing fires and
dropped approx. 3.2 million litres of foam/water. Under the MARS Agreement Newfoundland and Labrador
sent one twenty (20) person crew to British Columbia from July 1st to July 14th to aide in the serious
fire situation in that province.
Total Fires
| Region |
Number |
| Eastern |
104 |
| Western |
19 |
| Labrador |
30 |
| Total |
153 |
Area and Forest Type
| Region |
Total Area (hectares) |
Productive |
Non-productive |
| Eastern |
1,200.2 |
296.5 |
903.7 |
| Western |
32 |
7.2 |
24.8 |
| Labrador |
1,129.6 |
0 |
1,129.6 |
| Total |
2,361.8 |
303.7 |
2,058.1 |
Fire Occurrence
| Cause |
Number |
| Lightning |
7 |
| Resident |
65 |
| Forestry |
0 |
| Other Industry |
6 |
| Incendiary |
20 |
| Recreation |
37 |
| Garbage Dump |
9 |
| Misc. |
9 |
| Total |
153 |
Significant Initiatives
Regional staff provided on the job training to new and returning seasonal fire staff.
Nine (9) seasonal and permanent staff attended a one week Advanced Wildfire Behavior course in Nova
Scotia in the fall of 2004.
A one week Crew Boss course was given to thirty-five (35) staff in November of 2004.
|
