Grand Falls Adopts New Exterior Fires By-Law Under Emergency Measures

Grand Falls, August 13, 2025 – During tonight’s special public meetin, the Grand Falls Regional Municipality Council adopted, under emergency procedures, a new bylaw regulating outdoor fires across the municipality. Although the adoption process was originally scheduled to begin in September during the regular monthly meeting, the current circumstances prompted the Council to advance it.

This decision comes in response to the province-wide state of alert and emergency in New Brunswick due to extreme conditions and active forest fires. To ensure immediate enforcement, all three readings of the bylaw were conducted during the same session.

Through this bylaw, the Grand Falls Regional Municipality aligns with New Brunswick’s Forest Fire Watch Program to determine the appropriate fire status during the fire season: No Burn, Restricted Burn (during a specified time period), or Burn Permitted. It is now strictly forbidden to light or have lit any type of fire within the Municipality when the New Brunswick Fire Danger Index indicates a 'no burning' level.

To protect public safety and ensure compliance with the regulations, the bylaw sets out clear and strict penalties. Any person found in violation commits a Class D offence under the Provincial Offences Procedure Act, with fines ranging from $140 to $2,100.

An administrative penalty may also apply. During a provincial burning ban, a penalty of $1,500 will be imposed on anyone who violates the by-law while a burning ban issued by the Province of New Brunswick is in effect.

“We understand that this is a challenging time for many families, especially those directly affected by the forest fires. The safety of our residents and the preservation of our resources are our top priorities. We ask everyone to cooperate and respect the measures put in place by the province and our municipality. Rest assured, we are proactive and fully committed to protecting our community,” said Bertrand Beaulieu, Mayor of the Grand Falls Regional Municipality.

Since the beginning of the week, the Municipality has called on the community to reduce the use of drinking water in order to preserve available resources during this critical period. Residents are asked to immediately stop any non-essential water use, including watering lawns, washing vehicles, and filling swimming pools. This measure is essential to protect the water supply and support the community during this time.

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Info and interview requests:

France Le Moignan, Economic Development & Marketing Director

(506) 740-1773 - communications@grandsault.ca