Major forest fires in the central region of the province contributed to the 2022 forest fire season being one of the most significant in recent history.
During 2022 there were 103 recorded fire starts, burning a total area of 23,886 hectares of forest land throughout the province. Three significant forest fires in the central region of the island, collectively named the Central Fire Complex, accounted for 22,647 of the total hectares burned – the Paradise Lake fire burned 16,750 hectares, the Bay d’Espoir Highway fire burned 5,614 hectares and the Southern Lake Access Road burned 283 hectares.
Based on data compiled from 2013-2022, the 10-year average for Newfoundland and Labrador is 103 fire starts and 10,466 hectares burned.
Despite challenges associated with the Central Fire Complex, firefighters and emergency officials displayed a remarkable degree of professionalism and dedication under difficult circumstances to protect communities and residents in the region. The Provincial Government has extended gratitude to the fire suppression staff from Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Parks Canada, who provided assistance through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre – Mutual Aid Resource Sharing program.
As with every year, forestry officials are undertaking a review of the 2022 forest fire season to determine whether opportunities exist to build upon fire suppression efforts.
Source : Gov.Nl.ca