FREDERICTON (GNB) – The 2022 forest fire season in New Brunswick begins on April 18 and ends Oct. 31.

Anyone igniting a Category 1 fire (fires with a diameter of three metres or less) should ensure burning is allowed in that area. This can be done by calling the toll-free burn line at 1-866-458-8080 or by visiting the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development website.

Category 2, 3 and 4 fires require a written permit. Applications are available at the department’s district offices.

Burning grass is considered a Category 4 fire. People who deem it necessary to burn grass must submit a written burn plan to the department, have an inspection beforehand, and then receive a written permit.

During fire season, anyone who conducts an industrial operation on forest land must possess a valid work permit that specifies the required fire equipment and the location of the operation. A work permit is available at no cost by phoning the appropriate district office. Inspections will be conducted by officers throughout the season to ensure compliance with industrial operations.

Cities, towns and some villages have bylaws that restrict burning. It is the responsibility of the public to understand and follow these bylaws.

Under the Forest Fires Act, if you ignite a fire, you are responsible for it. If your fire gets out of control, you may be liable for the cost of fighting the fire and/or damage to another person’s property. You may also face penalties and/or fines for violating burning regulations.

In 2021, 180 fires burned 380 hectares of forest land in New Brunswick. Forest land includes any land outside the boundaries of a city or town, not cultivated for agricultural purposes, on which trees, shrubs, plants or grass are growing. It also includes blueberry fields and peat bogs.

Details on other burning permits are available by calling, toll-free, 1-866-458-8080. Restrictions for areas where burning is regulated by the province are updated at 2 p.m. each day. Current burning restrictions and the Provincial Forest Fire Summary are available online.