Wildfire
To report a wildfire or forest fire, call 911 immediately.
Wildland fires are a part of the forest ecosystem. Either they can be naturally occurring or human caused but have the potential to alter the landscape. We are fortunate to live in a province with a lower risk, but taking action and preparing beforehand will help protect your family and home from the negative impacts wildfires bring. On Prince Edward Island, wildland fires do occur and on average, there are seven per year. In Canada, approximately 50% of wildland fires are human-caused and can be prevented. On Prince Edward Island, over 90% of recorded wildland fires have been human caused, and could have been prevented. Canadians are feeling the direct and indirect impacts of wildfire more each season, there’s a growing need for mitigation efforts and FireSmart education among islanders and across Canada.
PLEASE NOTE: Fire season begins on March 15, 2024. Burning permits are not required for Category 1 fires (domestic brush burning); however, you must check the burn restrictions each day prior to burning.
As of March 15, burning permits are required...
PLEASE NOTE: These rules are only in effect during fire season (March 15-November 15 of each year).
If you light a fire, you must ensure it is extinguished before leaving the area.
What are the burning categories?
Category 1 Fires
A burning permit...
Do I need to obtain a burning permit?
For Category 1 fires (burning of piles smaller than two metres by three metres) and campfires - no, but you now need to check the burn restrictions to see when you are allowed to burn.
For Category 2,3, and 4 fires...
For Category 1 fires, you must check the burn restrictions below before you may burn. You may also call 1-800-237-5053 to check the burning restrictions for the current day. Category 1 fires are NOT permitted between 8am and 2pm.
For Category 2,3, or 4...
Burn restrictions and the fire weather index is updated daily at 2pm on the Fire Restrictions Page
What is FireSmart?
FireSmart Canada leads the development of resources and programs designed to empower the public and increase neighbourhood resilience...
Recreational campfires are currently allowed, with permission of the property owner and subject to local bylaws.
Under certain conditions, fire closure orders may prohibit recreational campfires due to high risk of wildfire. Notice will be posted here...
Who do I call to report a wildfire on PEI?
To report a wildfire, forest fire or grass fire emergency, call 911 and include the following information:
Community name where the fire is occurring,
Route number and/or road name,
Civic number of the...
There is a growing need for wildfire prevention and mitigation as we continue to move our communities further into the Wildland Urban Interface. The wildland urban interface (WUI) refers to homes and communities that intermingle with wildland fuels. This...
Forest fires in PEI fall under the jurisdiction and authority of Environment, Energy and Climate Action – Forests, Fish and Wildlife Division.
Forest fire risk
Each year, Canada continually sees frequent and severe forest fires, becoming increasingly...