100 grass fires already reported in New Brunswick this year

About 100 grass fires have already been reported in New Brunswick this year, with at least one causing substantial damage to a home, the provincial government said Tuesday.

Other fires have also spread to cause a number of forest fires, the government said. Forest fire season began April 15 and ends Oct. 31.

The government is also reminding residents in the province that it’s illegal to burn grass without a permit from the Department of Natural Resources. Fines for doing so without a proper permit range from $500 to $20,500.

Natural Resources also said mulching, composting and hauling debris to a local landfill are alternate disposal methods (rather than burning).

“People who feel they must burn grass are required to submit a written burn plan to the department, have an inspection beforehand and then receive a written permit with departmental guidelines attached,” the government noted.

In 2012, 344 fires burned 362 hectares of forest land in New Brunswick, according to the government. More information for New Brunswickers is available through the provincial government’s website.