Update to Fire Risk Communications

To help reduce confusion and streamline communication, the Portugal Cove – St. Philip’s Volunteer Fire Department (PCSPVFD) will no longer issue separate fire advisories. Instead, we encourage all residents to regularly check the Provincial Fire Hazard Map provided by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture and to follow the associated guidelines.

Before lighting a backyard fire or using a Permit to Burn issued by the PCSPVFD, it’s important to understand what the current fire risk level means for the Region:

Low or Moderate (Blue/Green):
Open fires permitted with a valid permit to burn
Outdoor wood-burning appliances, propane appliances, and charcoal/propane BBQs are allowed
Contact your municipality to confirm if a permit is required

High (Yellow):
Open fires and permit-to-burn fires are prohibited
Propane and wood-burning appliances, and charcoal/propane BBQs are allowed

Very High or Extreme (Orange/Red):
No open fires permitted, including those with a permit
No outdoor wood-burning appliances permitted
Only propane appliances and charcoal/propane BBQs are allowed

PCSPVFD are asking people to be fire safe when using outdoor wood burning and propane burning appliances, to keep a hose or fire extinguisher handy and follow manufacturers requirements regarding clearances from combustible materials. Also, we would like to remind citizens that, if you smoke, do not throw your lit cigarette butt on the ground or out of a vehicle window.

The PCSPVFD will share information from Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture on the Fire Hazard Rating on our Facebook page. Residents are also encouraged to reach out to the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture Paddy’s Pond with questions on the Fire Hazard Rating by calling (709) 729-4180, and follow their social media for up-to-date Fire Hazard Ratings, https://www.gov.nl.ca/ffa/public-education/forestry/forest-fires/fire-hazard-map/