Burn Ban begins on April 1

Burn Ban throughout Kawartha Lakes begins on Monday April 1, 2019

Kawartha Lakes - Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service will be enforcing a burn ban for the entire month of April. Residents will be notified when the ban is lifted.

"Each year in April, a burn ban is imposed as part of our open air burning bylaw. Even though there may be snow or localized flooding, dry grass and debris catch fire easily and the flames spread quickly," said Fire Prevention Inspector Kevin Meijerink. "The April burn ban helps reduce the risk to our residents and firefighters.”

Under section 8.03 of By-Law 2016-110, those setting a fire during a burn ban can be charged under the Provincial Offences Act and will also be responsible for the costs incurred by potential fire suppression efforts.

The ban does not necessarily apply to those with Agricultural or Special Burn Permits as special conditions already apply to these permits. However, safe practices should be followed at all times for those authorized to burn.

Residents can check the status of the burn ban at the end of April by calling 1-888-822-2225 extension 8 or by visiting the Burn Ban, Permits and By-Laws page on our website.

"The ban may be continued past April if Fire Chief Mark Pankhurst feels that the conditions aren’t suitable for open air burning," adds Meijerink. "Our first priority is keeping our residents and our environment safe."

The municipality thanks all residents for their cooperation and assistance during this time.

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For more information, please contact:

Fire Prevention Office
705-324-5731 Extension 545
fireprevention@city.kawarthalakes.on.ca

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