ATV RESTRICTIONS:
Effective August 13, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is restricting the use of all off-road vehicles (ATVs, side by sides, dirt bikes, etc) on forested land. This is an effort to reduce fire risk, with the restriction being reviewed on August 17.
The Forestry Act defines forested land as land with trees or shrubs, and also includes dry marsh, bogland and land commonly known as “barrens.”
Trails through the woods, including the T’Railway, are now closed to off-road vehicles, but remain open to hikers and cyclists.
The restriction is in place for the entire province in areas where the fire index is high, very high, or extreme.
A one-time exemption is in place for those currently in the woods requiring an off-road vehicle to leave. The exemption ends Friday, Aug. 15 at 11:59 p.m.
WILDFIRE INFORMATION RESOURCES:
For up-to-date wildfire information from the Provincial Government, visit https://www.gov.nl.ca/alerts/
For information on wildfire preparation and evacuation readiness, visit the Federal Government’s Get Prepared website: https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/hzd/wldfrs-prp-en.aspx
Fire Smart Canada has information on how to reduce fire risks in your yard here: https://firesmartcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Home-Ignition-Zone-Poster-EN.pdf
For evacuation tips and information, visit the Red Cross website: https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/emergencies-and-disasters-in-canada/types-of-emergencies/wildfires
An interactive map of current wildfires in the province is available here: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/df3fede0d65b47fba974e442f91989d2
Report a wildfire: 1 (866) 709-FIRE (3473)