Hot, dry and windy weather has resulted in regions of Prince Edward Island receiving high ratings on the Fire Weather Index (FWI).

“The change in temperature has altered the current Fire Weather Index rating from extreme to moderate in eastern and central P.E.I. and to high in western areas of the province,” said Scott MacDonald, Acting Field Services Manager with the Department of Communities, Land and Environment. “This means that most burning permits are suspended until we see a significant rainfall.”

Effective immediately, all burning permits are suspended in western P.E.I. and domestic burning permits are no longer valid in the central and eastern areas of the Island until the FWI returns to low. Burning permits are required for any outdoor fire from March 15 to December 1 each year and burning can only occur when the FWI is low and wind speeds are 10km/hr or less. Burning may only occur under the conditions required by the burning permit. People are advised to check the FWI before they begin any burns and to always keep water and shovels close by to prevent wildfires from spreading.

It is the responsibility of the permit holder to check the forecast and have accurate FWI information before initiating any fire. They must also have adequate personnel and resources on hand to prevent the fire from escaping. Burning permits are available free-of-charge from any forest district office.
       
Fire Weather Index information is available from any forest district office, online at www.gov.pe.ca/forestry/fwi(link is external), or by calling 902-368-4800 after hours to hear an automated FWI recording.