PERTH COUNTY – The open-air fire ban that was issued on July 15 will be lifted at midnight tonight.
In a joint press release from Perth County municipalities, officials cite the recent rainfall as the reason the ban has been lifted.
“With the monitoring of rainfall and vegetation conditions, Fire Chiefs are confident that residents can now safely burn,” states the release.
With the lifting of the burn ban, burn permits can now be issued by Perth County municipalities.
Local fire chiefs are encouraging residents to continue practicing safe burning by doing the following:
- Call your local fire department to obtain an open-air burn permit.
- Closely supervise all outdoor fires. Make sure the fire is out before leaving the area.
- Ensure that your open fire is at least 25 feet away from all structures and other combustible materials.
- Never burn plastics, household garbage, construction debris, treated lumber or other laminate wood, tires, asphalt products, pesticides, paint or aerosol containers, etc. These contain toxins that are harmful to people, animals and the environment when burned.
- Avoid burning on windy days and be aware of wind direction when deciding to burn.
- Never use gasoline or other flammable combustible liquids.
- Have a source of water or equipment to move dirt/sand to extinguish the fire if necessary.
“With weather conditions changing frequently during the summer months, we advise that the burn ban may be put back in place at anytime, if dry conditions return,” states the release.
Officials are also encouraging local farmers to be “very careful with combining, as field fires can quickly overtake equipment, neighbouring crops and can spread quickly into adjacent woodlands. Having a fire extinguisher on board large equipment is highly recommended.”
