Investigation Ongoing into Illegal Brush Burning

On Thursday there was a fire near Harbour Grace that is being investigated by the Department of Fisheries and Land Resources.

The fire is believed to be caused by an individual burning brush without a Permit to Burn and leaving the fire unattended.

Forest fire-fighting staff and an air tanker responded to the fire, which burned an area of two hectares.

Penalties for violating provincial forest fire regulations range from a summary offence ticket to a minimum fine of $500 to a maximum three months’ imprisonment. Subsequent offences may result in a minimum fine of $1,000 to a maximum three months’ imprisonment.

Forest fire season is in effect for the island portion of the province until September 30.