CANADA, August 2 - Five Island forest firefighters are leaving for Alberta this weekend to help with the increasingly serious wildfire situation in that province. This team will join a Nova Scotian team bound for Jasper to assist Parks Canada with fire response. 

Last week, a team returned from Alberta where they were assisting with a fire near High Level, which is close to the Northwest Territories border.

“When our local forest firefighters get deployed elsewhere, they are not only helping our neighbors, but gaining skills that could be needed when we see forest fires here at home. On behalf of Islanders, I thank everyone working in these difficult conditions and remind everyone to keep forest fire prevention in mind this summer.”

- Environment, Energy and Climate Action Minister Steven Myers

The province continues to be in a good position to respond to fire inside or outside of provincial borders, through continually building our wildland fire fighting capacity and resources. The Government of Prince Edward Island has more than 55 staff trained in wildland firefighting. Trained wildland firefighters are foresters, forest technicians, wildlife technicians, and others who have fire as part of their duties.

PEI maintains mutual aid agreements with all Canadian provinces and territories, administered through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, and the province is an active member in the North Eastern Forest Fire Protection Compact with many US states. These agreements provide us access to mutual aid when the province requires it.

On Prince Edward Island, over 90% of recorded wildland fires have been human caused and could have been prevented. These fires could be started by leaving campfires unattended, negligently disposing of cigarettes or other human activities, so it’s important for all residents to be cautious with outdoor fires.

Residents planning to burn brush outdoors must check for burning restrictions daily by calling 1-800-237-5053 or visiting the province’s fire information page. Campfires do not require burn permits, but people should check for fire restrictions before starting a campfire. Municipalities may also have their own bylaws that restrict burning, so residents should also check with their local authority. 

Media contact:
Katie Cudmore
Department of Environment, Energy, and Climate Action
katiecudmore@gov.pe.ca