Once again, the warm summer season is almost upon us, and we are all looking forward to doing some activities such as quadding and participating in activities such as ATV rallies and poker runs, or just catching up on some yard work, having a BBQ or enjoying a small campfire.  However, before doing any of these things, we would like to encourage you to think about safety and forest fire prevention.  Always plan ahead and be prepared for any emergencies, especially in case of fire.

You can be proactive by being well informed:  

• Check the NB Fire Index to see if there are any fire bans or restrictions in the province. You can verify this information by clicking on the following link: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/public_alerts/forest_fire_watch.html

It is updated after 2:00 pm every day.

• You can also click on the following links to view various brochures such as Obtaining a burning permit, Burning permit brochure, and Dispelling Common Myths about Grass Burning brochure

Things to consider before you head out quadding: 

1. Make sure that you have your cell phone with you.
2. Check the NB Fire index (as stated above).
3. There could also be areas that have been closed off by the Forestry companies and/or Crown land. Get informed before you leave.
4. Have a First Aid kit with you. They are not expensive. You’ll be happy to have one if you need it.
5. Have a fire extinguisher with you in case of fire.
6. Have a folding campfire shovel with you to smother a burning fire.
7. Make sure your quad’s muffler is in good working order, especially if it is equipped with a spark arrestor.
8. Take a small garbage bag with you, and bring back any trash that you see laying around the trails in the woods, or at least bring back your own. This way, you can leave the forest as clean as it is safe.

When you are out RIDING on the trails: 

2. To report a forest fire, first call 9-1-1, and then provide the following facts:
   1. Your name.
   2. Your telephone number.
   3. Your exact location and the location of the fire with GPS coordinates, if possible.
   4. A description of what is burning.
   5. The size of the fire.
   6. If anyone is fighting the fire.
   7. How to get access to the fire.
3. For smokers, carry a bottle of water with you to put out your cigarette butt or refrain from smoking until you get to a safe area.
4. Stay on the trail and never go off the trail into the dry grassy areas.
5. After going through mud holes, always stop and check for and remove, any debris that may be lodged against the hot muffler or stuck to your hot exhaust pipes. It could catch fire when it dries.

When you are out WORKING on the trails:

1. For clubs, a work permit from the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development is necessary for any kind of work in the forest involving two or more people and it is free to apply for one. Firefighting equipment is also required.
2. Power saws must have a proper muffler and be accompanied by a round point shovel or fire extinguishers.

Let’s do our part to prevent forest fires.  Have a great weekend everyone!

Jacques Poirier, General Manager

QuadNB