Bell Island RCMP issues fine to resident for failing to comply with fire ban

July 14, 2026 - Bell Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
From: Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP

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A 72-year-old man was issued a ticket under the Forestry Act, after Bell Island RCMP attended an unauthorized fire at a property last Friday evening.

Around 4:00 p.m. on July 10, RCMP on Bell Island responded to a residence on Dobbins Road after receiving a report of an unauthorized fire occurring during a fire ban implemented by provincial authorities. Police observed an unattended wood-burning fire in the backyard of the residence and quickly extinguished the flames. 

The following day, July 11, 2026, Bell Island RCMP located the owner of the home and served him a ticket under the Forestry Act. 

All Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are reminded that it is your responsibility to understand your obligations under the Forestry Act and any applicable municipal guidelines, even if you have a permit to burn. 

While the Resource Enforcement Division of the provincial government is the primary agency responsible for enforcement and investigations under the Forestry Act, RCMP officers do have the authority to issue tickets to those who violate the act. 

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has amended the Forestry Act and introduced a new Wildfire Prevention and Management website as a one-stop resource for forest fire season information. This website includes the daily Fire Weather Index across the province, wildfire prevention guidelines and important information about regulations, restrictions and penalties. 

To learn more about wildfire management and prevention, visit gov.nl.ca/fal/wildfiremanagement

To report a wildfire, call 1-866-709-FIRE (3473) immediately. 

Background: Public advisory: Province-wide Fire Ban in Effect -  https://www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2026/fal/0708n05/

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