With the long weekend approaching and many people eager to get outside and clean up around their property, Provincial Fire Marshal Dave Rossiter is reminding Islanders that setting grass fires without a permit can result in a fine between $200 and $1,000, under the Fire Prevention Act.

“Grass fires are not only illegal without a permit, they are very dangerous,” says Mr. Rossiter. “Even a small grass fire can rapidly spread out of control to other vegetation and nearby structures. This puts local volunteer firefighters at risk and ties up valuable resources.”

For more information on burning permits, contact a Forest Service Officer in Wellington (854-7260), Charlottetown (Beach Grove Road 368-4800 and Upton Road 368-4700), or Southampton (961-7296).

For more information on fire safety, contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 368-4869 or go to www.peipublicsafety.ca. Follow the Office of Public Safety on Facebook and Twitter @peipublicsafety.