Woods Travel Ban Lifted

The Department of Natural Resources has lifted the woods travel ban throughout the province effective today.

"With the shorter, cooler days and the generally cool, damp nights recently, the fire hazard has dropped to a level where we feel comfortable in lifting the travel ban," said Natural Resources Minister Ernest Fage.

The significant rainfall of Sept. 1 also contributed to the department's decision. The indices have dropped from high and extreme over the entire province to extreme in five per cent of the province, high in 35 per cent and between moderate and low over the remaining areas.

However, conditions still warrant that the ban on open fires remains in effect. This ban has been in place since July and will continue until further notice.

"More rain is required before the open fire ban can be lifted," said the minister. "I want to be clear that the fire ban is still being enforced. I urge people to respect this ban and use caution when in the woods."