With the Fire Weather Index at extreme and very high across Prince Edward Island, wildfire fighters are asking Islanders to be extremely cautious. 

“The Island has experienced a long stretch of very hot and dry weather this summer and this has driven up the Fire Weather Index to unusually high levels,” said Mike Montigny, Fire Services Manager with the Forests, Fish and Wildlife Division. “The forecast is also calling for high gusty winds over the next few days, so this combination will create potential for serious wildfires across the province.”  

All domestic and industrial burning permits are suspended until conditions improve. 

Small campfires for recreational purposes are still permitted. However, Montigny emphasized that people having a campfire on their own property are still responsible for the fire and should it escape, for any and all suppression and damage costs.  Anyone wishing to have a campfire at a campground or cottage rental should have the owners’ permission.

Fire Weather Index information is also available from any forest district office or by calling (902) 368 4800 after hours to hear an automated recording.                            

Media contact:
Leanne Ritchie
Department of Environment, Water and Climate Change
902-314-0134