All open flames banned
Extreme heat and a lack of rain has resulted in a fire ban in Clearview Township and across most of the surrounding area.
The fire ban was implemented in Clearview on July 30, and the fire rating was updated to extreme on August 6.
With smoke in the air and wildfires burning in southern Ontario, it will take more than a brief period of rain to make for safe burning conditions. Until then, all open flames are banned.
Under an extreme fire rating and fire ban, no burning is allowed in both rural and settlement areas and burn permits are void.
Fire Prevention Officer Kent McDonald said Clearview Fire and Emergency Services leads with an educational approach, but it is within their power to enforce the laws more strictly when needed.
“The lack of rain has caused the vegetation to dry out and that is a major concern for us,” said McDonald. “It just takes literally one spark, even without wind.”
He said the high ground temperature and dry tinder make for very dangerous conditions.
For example, fire crews were called to fight a grass fire near Nottawa on Saturday. In cases like that, firefighters have to make sure the fire doesn’t reach the tree line because once the fuel source increases, the fire is harder to control. McDonald said Clearview is equipped with some basic forest fire fighting equipment, and they have the benefit of being able to call for reinforcements through the mutual aid program, but the department is not equipped to fight full forest fires.
“That’s why we try to hammer home – do not have fires,” said McDonald, adding that residents may push back because they think they can do it safely, but even the usual precautions may not be effective in extreme conditions.
“Every year seems to be an unprecedented year,” he said.
A fire in the City of Kawartha Lakes began Monday afternoon as a grass fire that was five hectares in size, and by Tuesday had grown to about 35 hectares, reported CBC news. The city has two other active fires underway. There are more than 70 active fires inthe province.
Residents will be notified via social media and the township’s website when the ban has been lifted.
For more information about the fire rating visit www.clearview.ca.
As of August 6, a total fire ban has been declared by all Dufferin County Fire Departments
