Don’t let yard clean-up cause a wildfire

Burning is a quick and easy way to both keep your yard clean, and reduce your risk of wildfire damage. But if it’s not done right, it can cause a wildfire. Follow these tips to do it right.

Before You Burn

Fire bans and restrictions

First, check for fire bans in your area. They may be put in place by community governments or by the GNWT.

• Find: community government websites and contact info for community fire bans
• Find: territorial fire bans in the wildfire update
• Find: information about fire bans at territorial parks
• Find: information about fire bans at national parks in the NWT (select Northwest Territories from the dropdown menu and click on the park you plan to visit)

Burn permits

Next, get a burn permit. It’s the law – and it will come with instructions on how to burn safely in your area.

They are issued by community governments for burning within municipal boundaries, and by the GNWT for burning outside community boundaries.

• For burning outside community boundaries: follow these instructions to get your burn permit.
• For burning inside community boundaries: contact your local government for requirements

Having a safe burn

• Keep debris piles small. if you’re burning a lot, make several smaller piles over the course of the day. They’re easier to control.
• Clear all flammable material and vegetation within three metres of the outer edge of a burn pile.
• Keep a water supply and shovel close by
• A responsible adult is required by law to be in attendance until the fire is completely out.

It is important to stay mindful of current weather conditions when burning. If it’s windy and the surrounding area is very dry, it may be best to wait and burn another day.