Fire safety

For many people, having a campfire is a beloved outdoor activity.

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 at the Visitor Centre before setting out on your hike.
• Report fire or suspicious smoke to park staff or call 1-877-852-3100.

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.

Use of the following items is prohibited during a fire ban

 

What is Fire Weather Index (FWI)?

Fire Weather Index (FWI) 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.

There are five possible fire danger levels on the FWI that determine the extent of fire bans or fire restrictions in Terra Nova National Park: low, moderate, high, very high, and extreme.

The FWI is updated daily and posted at the campground kiosks, at the Visitor Centre, and on various signs throughout the park. Do your part and stay informed on the current fire danger status and regulations during your visit.

Fire danger signs are found in various locations in the park.

The following is a complete list of approved cooking and heating devices during different fire danger levels.

	LOW	MODERATE	HIGH	VERY HIGH	EXTREME
Park provided fire pits	✅	✅	From 8 pm to 8 am	❌	❌
Propane fireplaces / fire rings	✅	✅	From 8 pm to 8 am	❌	❌
Deep fryers	✅	✅	From 8 pm to 8 am	❌	❌
Torches	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
Enclosed propane, kerosene, gas or electric barbecues / stoves	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Personal pellet, briquette (charcoal or wood), fire pits, or wood stoves	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
Park wood stoves (in kitchen shelters)	✅	✅	From 8 pm to 8 am	❌	❌
Electric heaters	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅