The recent spate of warm, dry weather on the island portion of the province has driven up the forest fire index.

It remains low on the Avalon and Burin Peninsulas but is high to very high in much of the interior. It had been high in Labrador, particularly in the west, but the index has dropped to low in that area of the province.

Jeff Motty, provincial forest fire duty officer, says the province has had 81 fires so far this year, consuming a total of 16,500 hectares.

Central Newfoundland has a very high risk while Millertown, the west coast and the Baie Verte Peninsula has a high risk index, says Motty.

The Town of Gander has imposed a ban on most outdoor burning because of the high rating. Motty says restrictions on such activity are common when the risk of a forest fire breaking out is very high. Motty adds that their web page contains a question and answer section on rules and regulations covering bans, restrictions and wood-burning devices.

⚠️ Fire ban in effect for Gander, NL

The forest fire index is currently very high.

🚫 Open fires, backyard fire pits, fireworks, charcoal BBQ, and all burn permits are prohibited inside the Town of Gander at this time.

✅ Propane BBQ and propane fire pits are allowed. pic.twitter.com/YBfdH5uea8

— Town of Gander (@townofgander) June 29, 2023