Newfoundland and Labrador Imposes Province-Wide ORV Ban as Wildfires Rage
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A sweeping ban on off-road vehicle (ORV) use has been implemented across Newfoundland and Labrador as the province battles multiple out-of-control wildfires. The measure, announced today by Premier John Hogan, aims to prevent further ignitions during a period of extreme fire risk.
Premier Hogan stated there are currently no new evacuation orders or alerts in effect. However, the situation remains precarious, with firefighting resources stretched thin across the island. The ban, which encompasses most of the province, will remain in place until Sunday, August 17, at which point its effectiveness will be reviewed.
ORV Ban Details and Penalties
The prohibition extends to a wide range of vehicles commonly used in forested areas, including ATVs, side-by-sides, mini-bikes, dirt bikes, trail bikes, dune buggies, sports buggies, off-road maintenance machines, and amphibious vehicles. The government enacted the ban “out of an abundance of caution,” according to Hogan, emphasizing the province’s inability to absorb additional fire outbreaks.
Enforcement of the ban will be strict, with significant financial penalties for violations. A minimum fine of $50,000 will be levied against anyone found to be in breach of the regulations, potentially escalating to $150,000 or a jail sentence of six months to one year. To date, at least two fines have already been issued.
“One has been issued to an individual for using an excavator in a wooded area, and another has been issued to a corporation that was doing mulching with heavy equipment in an area where the fire index was extreme,” Hogan revealed. He indicated that further fines are likely as enforcement continues.
Strained Resources and Ongoing Fires
The province is currently grappling with three major wildfires: the Paddy’s Pond fire, the Kingston Fire, and the Martin Lake fire in central Newfoundland. All three are currently classified as out-of-control, presenting a significant challenge to firefighting crews.
When questioned about the province’s capacity to manage the existing fires and respond to potential new outbreaks, Premier Hogan offered a candid assessment. “This is part of the issue,” he said. “The more fires that crop up, the assets that we have right now are working to contain the fires but they do continue to grow.”
Hogan acknowledged the critical need for rainfall to alleviate the situation, stating, “You don’t have to be a fire expert to come to that conclusion.” The province is actively exploring options to secure additional resources to bolster firefighting efforts.
Premier John Hogan (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador/YouTube)
The situation underscores the growing vulnerability of Newfoundland and Labrador to wildfire risk, and the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate future threats.
