Controlled Burns and Grass Fires

Sometimes you will need to burn grass, bush piles or stubble. Please be sure you are well-prepared and that you have fire guards in place. These "controlled burns" should also be reported to avoid dispatching firefighters unnecessarily.

Report a controlled burn anywhere in the province.

Phone 1-866-404-4911. This number is monitored 24/7, every day of the year.

Questions you will be asked:

1. What is your land location?
2. What is your RM number?
3. Who is your Fire Service Provider?
4. What are the location details?
5. What are you burning?
6. How long will your burn last?
7. Your name and phone number.

You will be asked to call back once the burn has been completed.

If you intend to conduct burning activities either within the provincial forest or within a 4.5-kilometre radius during the wildfire season (April 1 to October 31), you may also need a burn notification number.

These are available from your local SPSA Response Centre Area Office.

Grass Fires

Grass fires can start quickly, spread rapidly and burn very hot, making them especially dangerous.

If you see a grass fire, report it immediately by dialing 9-1-1. This will help local firefighters get to the scene as quickly as possible.

Help protect your home by doing the following:

• Dispose of cigarettes and matches properly; refrain from tossing them from a vehicle.
• Creating fire breaks to impede the advancement of a fire. These are zones that have been plowed, mowed, or grazed, ideally encircling your residence and other structures.
• Maintaining a well-trimmed lawn, ensuring the upkeep of gardens and pathways, and promptly raking up fallen leaves.
• Trimming the grass surrounding your outbuildings and any tanks or containers potentially holding flammable substances.
• Not burning trash or leaves unless they are in a damp or grass-free area.
• Avoid parking on dry grass, as a vehicle's exhaust can generate temperatures exceeding 538 degrees Celsius (1000 degrees Fahrenheit), and a fire can ignite with as little as 260 degrees Celsius (500 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Educating your children about the risks associated with playing with fire or matches is crucial, as fires can rapidly escalate, posing a serious threat to their safety.
• Maintain a clear three-metre radius around the barbecue, ensuring no vegetation is present. Cover the grill with a fine mesh screen to prevent sparks. Remain attentive to your grill and extinguish ashes by soaking them in water.
• Ensure that your firefighting water tanks are adequately filled. Keep a diesel or gasoline-powered pump readily available, as an electric pump may be ineffective in case of a power outage.
• Storing woodpiles away from your home.
• Ensuring that every machine is equipped with a functional spark arrestor.
• Avoid using machines or tools that could generate sparks in dry conditions. If you need to utilize equipment like a grinder, dampen your work area and ensure you have a readily available fire extinguisher.

MORE RESOURCES

Be Prepared for a Disaster
You might want to think about getting ready for a disaster, such as wildfires, for both you and your family.

Municipal Fire Ban Map
Stay informed, stay safe: Know the Fire Ban status in your municipality.