The City of St. Catharines has announced a ban on all outdoor burning until further notice due to the ongoing dry weather conditions.
With Natural Resources Canada indicating that the wildfire risk in southern Ontario is now deemed “extreme,” Fire Chief Dave Upper has put this ban into effect immediately. This order stops all open-air burning, which includes cooking fires, fireworks, sparklers, and any other forms of outdoor flames.
People holding Agricultural Burn Permits from the City should be aware that agricultural burns are also completely banned. Anyone found burning under these permits will face charges and have their permits revoked. Those who do not comply with the ban may be charged under the Ontario Fire Code and could face fines up to $50,000.
“The open-air burning ban is in place to ensure the safety of all residents,” said Fire Chief Dave Upper. “There will be zero-tolerance and no warnings. The last thing we want to see here in St. Catharines are out-of-control fires like the ones currently burning across the country, including parts of Ontario.”
Due to recent extreme heat and a lack of significant rainfall, much of southern Ontario has been classified as “extreme,” which is the highest fire risk level according to Natural Resources Canada. Other local municipalities have already enacted similar bans. More restrictions on burning are anticipated throughout the region in the coming days.
This open-air burning ban will remain effective until sustained rainfall and cooler temperatures reduce the fire risk to a manageable level.
Barbecues are still allowed during this ban; however, the fire chief recommends that residents monitor their barbecues closely and reminds everyone that open-air cooking fires are not permitted until this total ban is lifted.
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