Kawartha Lakes Fire Department Issues Total Burn Ban Aug 5

Kawartha Lakes – Effective immediately, Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service has issued a Total Burn Ban across the municipality due to the ongoing lack of precipitation and extremely dry conditions.

“With little to no rainfall over the past several weeks, fire risk conditions have rapidly worsened,” said Fire Chief Terry Jones. “To protect public safety and prevent wildfires, we are implementing a total burn ban until conditions improve.”

The total burn ban applies to all open-air burning, including brush piles, campfires, burn barrels, and recreational fires.

Exceptions:

• The ban does not apply to outdoor appliances that are CSA- or ULC-approved and fueled by propane or natural gas, such as barbecues and outdoor fireplaces.
• While those with valid agricultural burn permits are exempt under the by-law, fire officials strongly recommend that all agricultural burning be postponed until the ban is lifted.

Under By-Law 2016-110, no person shall set a fire within the City of Kawartha Lakes while a burn ban is in effect, except for heating or cooking purposes only when no other means are available. Such fires must be extinguished immediately after use and cannot exceed 60cm in diameter.

The burn ban will remain in effect until further notice. Updates will be posted on the City of Kawartha Lakes website, local media, and official social media channels.

Anyone who sets a fire during the ban may be held financially responsible for all firefighting costs incurred under Section 8.03 of By-Law 2016-110 and the City Fees By-law.

To stay informed on current burn conditions, residents can visit kawarthalakes.ca or call 1-888-822-2225 ext. 8.

For updates on forest fire activity and the Air Quality Health Index, visit:

• Ontario Forest Fires – Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
• Air Quality Health Index – Government of Canada

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