Fire safety

Terra Nova National Park

Do your part and stay informed on the current fire danger status and regulations. Your actions can help prevent human-caused wildfires.

What is fire danger?

Fire danger tells us how easily a fire could start, how difficult a fire may be to control, and how long a fire might burn in a specific area.

The fire danger rating is updated daily at 2 pm at the campground kiosks, at the Visitor Centre, and on various signs throughout the park.

Fire danger ratings

  Low: Fires are unlikely. A fire will spread slowly, burn at a low intensity and is relatively easy to control for fire crews.

  Moderate: Fires may spread along the surface of the ground with the occasional tree or clump of trees igniting. Ground crews can usually contain these fires.

  High: 8 am to 8 pm fire ban. Fires can ignite easily, spread quickly, and be challenging for fire fighters to control.

  Very high: 24 hour fire ban. Fires can ignite easily, spread vigorously, and be very difficult for fire fighters to control.

  Extreme: 24 hour fire ban. Fires will ignite easily, spread furiously, and burn with extreme intensity. Wildfires burning under these conditions are very difficult for firefighters to control.

 

Fire bans

Fire bans are based on local fire hazards, current and forecasted weather conditions, the amount of moisture in vegetation, the regional wildfire situation and the availability of responders and equipment. Current and forecasted conditions are evaluated on a daily basis.

A fire ban is a legal restriction on certain types of fires to prevent human-caused wildfires. In a national park, burning illegally could result in a minimum fine of $200. More serious offences may result in fines up to $25,000.

 

Permitted and prohibited items

Use of the following items is always permitted:

Enclosed gas or propane stoves and barbecues
Electric heaters
 

Use of the following items is normally permitted, but prohibited during a fire ban:


Wood burning campfires in Parks Canada fire pits

Deep fryers

Propane fireplaces and fire rings

If you are unsure, please ask a Parks Canada staff member

Use of the following items is always prohibited:


Wood, pellet, briquette or charcoal burning devices, including in cook shelters

Torches

Candles

Propane and gas lanterns

Fireworks

 

How to safely enjoy a campfire

  • Always check if there’s a fire ban
  • You may only build a campfire in a designated fire pit when camping in a national park. Some campsites have individual fire pits; others have communal fire pits.
  • Keep your fire small and under control. Never leave a fire unattended.
  • Only use firewood purchased in the park. It is illegal to collect and burn wood from the forest.
  • Soak it, stir it, and soak it again! Make sure your fire is completely out before you go to bed at night or leave your campsite.
  • Campfires are not permitted at some backcountry camping locations. Ask a Parks Canada employee before setting out on your hike.
  • Report fire or suspicious smoke to park staff or call 1-877-852-3100.

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