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Mission Statement: "To Protect our forest resource, its recreational and
aesthetic value as well as public and private property from the ravaging effects of
uncontrolled forest fires while preserving the health and well-being of all those who
use and benefit from our forests."
The Director of Forest Engineering and Industry Services is responsible for the
Fire Suppression Program for the Forest Resources. Field delivery
is provided under the direction of the
Regional Ecosystem Director using infrastructure established in the regional and
district offices.
Over the years, the Department has improved its capability to suppress
wildfires in the Province. Changes in the way the Department handles wildfire
began in 1961 after a disastrous year. Following a very dry summer, extensive
areas of Eastern and Central Newfoundland were ravaged by fire. In contrast,
1981 was even dryer but in part due to the introduction of new technology such
as a Lightning Detection System, computerized decision support system, the use
of fire fighting foam, better training of fire staff, the purchase of six (6)
CL-215 Air Tankers and new systems and procedures such as aircraft alert codes,
the Province was able to limit forest fire losses to a minimum.
The Province took the lead role in forest fire management and suppression in
1975 and as a result significant purchases of new equipment, technology and
aircraft was made. A modern new Provincial Forest Fire Equipment and Maintenance
Facility was constructed at Gander. In 1996, a state-of-the art hose drying,
testing and repair facility was opened adjacent to the Forest Protection Centre.
The Forest Service operates six (6) CL-215 Air Tankers along
with a Cessna spotter. Four long ranger helicopters are on full time standby and
others are hired as needed. This equipment is used for initial attack along with
ground crews who are scattered throughout the Island and in Labrador in
twenty-six (26) depots. Fire co-ordination is handled by a Duty Officer for each
region who oversees the initial attacks and deploys equipment as
required.
Latest News
Facts and Figures - 2005 Forest Fire Season
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145 total fires were officially
recorded burning at total of 22,834 hectares. The
Eastern region recorded 85 fires, Western Region 30
and Labrador recorded 30. |
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Of the 145 fire occurrences in
2005 81 were resident caused, 16 resulted from
lightning, 6 by industrial operations, 11 fires were
incendiary, 25 were recreation related, 4 were
caused at garbage dumps and 2 were miscellaneous
known. |
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Only 31.3 hectares of
productive forest land were burnt in 2005 while
22,802.7 hectares of non-productive forest were
burnt. |
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The official forest fire season
for the Avalon portion of the Island commenced on
May 6th and ended on September 18th while the season
for the remainder of the Island portion and the
Labrador portion commenced on May 13th and ended on
September 18th. |
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The average total fire
suppression for Newfoundland and Labrador is
approximately $6 million (including water bombers)
per year. |
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There are approximately 100
forest fire suppression field staff employed by the
department throughout the various districts. |
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As part of the province’s
forest fire suppression effort six fixed wing
aircraft were used along with four contract
helicopters. The fixed wing aircraft recorded 281.7
hours of bombing activity and dropped approximately
10.7 million litres of water and foam in 2005. |
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As part of the MARS Agreement
in 2005 the province loaned Quebec two CL215’s from
June 1st – 5th, one from July 11th – 25th, and one
from July 14th – 26th. |
Related Sites
For Further Information Contact:
Forest Resources
Forest Engineering and Industry Services Division
P.O. Box 2006
Fortis Tower
Corner Brook, NL, Canada
A2H 6J8
Tel. (709) 637-2349
Fax. (709) 637-2403 |
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