Drought increases fire hazard, bans in place

Extreme heat and a lack of rain have made for hazardous fire conditions.

Area fire chiefs have activated total fire bans, including Clearview and Mulmur, in the region until further notice.

All fire departments in Dufferin County have also implemented a ban until further notice. The county-wide outdoor fire ban is in effect to reduce the risk of human-caused fire hazards.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry said conditions are very dry in the region – reaching an “extreme” level on fire risk maps. The ban includes bon fires, recreational fires, construction burns, and any other type of outdoor fire. Only gas-fired and charcoal barbecues are exempt.

The fire ban will remain in effect until all fire chiefs in Dufferin County determine that there has been sufficient rainfall and the fire risk has been reduced.

Violation of the fire ban could lead to charges and a fine under the Provincial Offences Act.

Clearview Township fire chief Colin Shewell issued a $900 fine to a Nottawa business Monday after a garbage bin caught fire (pictured). The fire was attributed to a cigarette that was discarded by an employee.

Shewell is urging people to be extra vigilant when discarding cigarette butts because of the extreme dry conditions.

“As a result of the fire ban (implemented August 6), all issued permits are suspended until further notice. Outdoor burning is not permitted under any circumstances,” said Shewell.

Check on current fire ratings at www.clearview.ca or mulmur.ca.

For more information about the fire ban, Dufferin County residents are welcome to call 519-941-3083 or their local fire department.

Collingwood and other municipalities in Simcoe County have also announced that fire bans are being observed.