Fire Season Opens the First of May
Fire season changes how you should plan an ATV or UTV ride in Newfoundland and Labrador, especially if your trip includes a campfire or travel through dry vegetation. The season starts May 1 on the island and later in Labrador, but a calendar date alone does not tell you whether a particular area is safe or open. Here’s what riders should check before heading out.
When fire season applies in Newfoundland and Labrador
The provincial fire season generally runs from May 1 through September 30 in Newfoundland. In Labrador, it starts two weeks later, on May 15, and ends September 30. These dates are a useful planning baseline, not a guarantee that fires are permitted or that every riding area is open.
Fire danger can change quickly with dry weather, wind and local conditions. Restrictions or closures may apply during the season, and a ban can affect an area even when there is no visible fire nearby. Check the current provincial fire information and any local notices before travelling. If a trail operator, land manager or community has issued a more specific restriction, follow it.
| Area | Usual fire-season period | What riders should keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Newfoundland | May 1 to September 30 | Check current fire restrictions before lighting an outdoor fire or riding in an area with a closure |
| Labrador | May 15 to September 30 | Confirm the local conditions and any area-specific restrictions before setting out |
The season’s start and end dates are not permission to light a fire. Whether you may have a campfire depends on the rules in force, the location and any current fire ban or permit requirement. Check before you travel, rather than relying on a past trip or advice from someone who rode there last season.
Fire-season rules are only one part of the picture. A route may also pass through a restricted area, private property or managed trail with separate access requirements. Review Newfoundland Fire Season Riding Restrictions and Newfoundland Crown Land Access Rules alongside the fire information for your destination.
What fire season means for an ATV or UTV ride
The start of fire season does not automatically mean that all ATV and UTV riding stops. It does mean you should pay closer attention to restrictions, route conditions and the risk your machine could create. If authorities or a land manager close an area or trail, do not ride through it or look for an unofficial detour.
An ATV or UTV can encounter dry grass, brush and forest litter, particularly at trail edges and in areas that have not had recent rain. Hot machine parts and exhaust components can pose a risk if they contact dry material. Even when riding is allowed, avoid stopping or parking in tall dry vegetation. Choose a clear, stable place away from brush, and shut the machine off before you inspect it or take a break.
Check for current restrictions before leaving
Before loading your machine, confirm:
- Whether a fire ban or restriction applies to your destination
- Whether your planned route or riding area is open
- Whether the trail operator has posted a closure or other seasonal notice
- Whether the rules allow a campfire at your intended site
- Whether any permit is needed for the type of fire you are considering
Restrictions can be local. A notice for one area does not necessarily describe the conditions elsewhere, and a familiar trail can be subject to a temporary closure. If the information is unclear, contact the relevant land manager or trail operator before riding.
Do not treat machine access as permission to make a fire
A trail being open to machines does not establish that campfires are allowed. Fire rules may depend on where you are, how the fire is contained, what restrictions are active and whether you have any required authorization. A fire that was acceptable at a designated site may not be allowed elsewhere.
If you cannot confirm that a fire is allowed, do not light one. Avoid using a campfire as a reason to stop in an unapproved location, and do not leave a fire unattended. When a fire is permitted, follow the current instructions for keeping it controlled and making sure it is fully out before you leave.
There is no general Newfoundland spark-arrestor rule for ATVs, but that does not remove the need to ride and park carefully in dry conditions. Your machine still has to meet applicable equipment requirements, including rules about its muffler and exhaust. See Newfoundland Has No Spark Arrestor Rule and Newfoundland Muffler and Noise Rules for the distinction between fire-season precautions and equipment rules.
Planning a fire-season ride safely
A good fire-season plan includes more than checking the weather. Decide where you will ride, where you can stop, and what you will do if a route closes or conditions worsen. Remote areas can have limited cell service, so do your checks before you lose a signal.
- Choose a specific route. Check the riding area and any managed trail you plan to use. Confirm that the route is open and permitted for your machine.
- Check current fire information. Look for active bans, area restrictions and notices from the relevant authorities or trail operator.
- Plan stops away from dry vegetation. Use a firm, clear area rather than pulling into tall grass, brush or forest litter.
- Decide whether a fire is necessary. If you cannot verify that fires are allowed at your stop, plan a trip that does not depend on one.
- Tell someone your plans. Share your route and expected return time, especially if you are travelling beyond reliable cell coverage.
- Carry a way to communicate and navigate. A paper map can help when there is no signal; Carrying a Paper Map Where There Is No Signal covers why it matters on remote routes.
- Be ready to turn around. A closure, a worsening fire danger notice or a route blocked by conditions is a reason to change the plan, not to find an unofficial way around it.
During the ride, keep the machine on the permitted route and avoid disturbing roadside vegetation. Do not park near dry grass if you can use a cleared area instead. If you notice smoke or an unattended fire, move to a safe location and report it using the appropriate local or provincial contact information. Do not approach a fire to investigate or attempt to manage it yourself.
Riders should also remember that fire-season conditions can coincide with other seasonal risks. Wet ground may dry unevenly, and a route that looks passable can still be vulnerable to damage. Slow down around dry vegetation, avoid unnecessary wheelspin, and respect closures intended to protect land or public safety. Newfoundland Trail Closures After a Storm offers related advice on checking route conditions before committing to a ride.
Common mistakes riders should avoid
The most common mistake is assuming that the season’s calendar dates are the only rules that matter. May 1 signals the usual start in Newfoundland, but a local ban or closure can apply at any point during the season. Likewise, September 30 is the usual end date, not a reason to ignore a notice that remains in effect or other local restrictions.
Other avoidable mistakes include:
- Relying on last year’s information. Conditions and restrictions can change. Check current notices for each trip.
- Assuming every outdoor fire is treated the same way. Campfires, brush burning and other outdoor fires may have different requirements. Confirm what applies to the activity and location.
- Confusing trail access with fire permission. An open trail does not automatically make a nearby campfire legal.
- Stopping in dry brush. Choose a clear place to park, and do not leave a running or hot machine in vegetation.
- Taking an unofficial detour around a closure. Closures may protect people, property or sensitive land. Follow the marked route or cancel that part of the trip.
- Assuming no spark-arrestor rule means no fire risk. The absence of that particular equipment requirement does not make careless parking or an unauthorized fire safe.
When in doubt, keep the trip simple: ride only where access is allowed, skip the fire unless you have confirmed it is permitted, and follow all current restrictions. A little checking before departure is easier than having to abandon a ride, deal with a violation or contribute to a fire.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
