Saint John — Admitting that they’re “tired of updating the burn map,” a Government of New Brunswick spokesperson said a new system of banning burning on weekends and holidays will be much easier and allow fires “more often than not.”
“We’re sick of hearing the complaints when we update Friday at 2 p.m., since people think their weekend’s ruined if they can’t have fires,” said Lisa Boyd, the official who makes the call on burn bans. “Well, now every weekend is ruined, so just get used to it and stop whining.”
GNB’s “Fire Watch” page has been especially popular this spring, with New Brunswickers eager to have campfires with friends and family. But in recent weeks, despite all the rain, frequent burn bans have applied across the province.
“From now on, to keep things consistent, the ban will apply from 2 p.m. every Friday and end at 11 p.m. every Sunday, or Monday if it’s a long weekend. You’re completely free to have all the fires you want the rest of the week. We feel this is an appropriate method to reduce forest fire risks and still have fun this summer.”
The old system — red meaning no burning, yellow for burning during specified hours, and green for good to go — will be no more. Weekdays are green, and weekends are red, regardless of temperatures, wind or rainfall. And regardless of region.
“Well this sucks,” complained Fundy local James Kennedy. “With the cool, damp air coming off the ocean, why should burning be so restricted? I have a pretty safe firepit, and it’s well away from trees and the house. What’s the big deal?”
Boyd reiterated that this new plan is simpler and better for everyone. “I usually like to take off early on Fridays, and this way I don’t have to wait until 2 p.m. to decide on the burn limitations for the weekend, based on weather or whatever. This way everyone knows what’s happening and there’s no confusion.”
GNB plans to evaluate the new method in the fall to determine what worked and what didn’t.
“We’ll put out a study or something, probably,” Boyd said with a shrug.