The City of Kawartha Lakes is implementing its annual spring burn ban earlier than normal this year — on Friday, March 23rd instead of April 1st.
The earlier-than-normal burn ban comes after City of Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service responded to a large number of grass-related fires over the March 16th weekend.
“Although the ground may appear saturated or still have snow cover in some areas of the municipality, dry grass and debris catch fire easily and flames can spread quickly,” says Fire Chief Mark Pankhurst.
“Typically by the end of April, things have greened up and the risk of grass fires is dramatically reduced.”
All fire permit sales are suspended until further notice. Residents will be notified when the burn ban is lifted.
While the burn ban does not necessarily apply to those with agricultural or special burn permits — as special conditions already apply to these permits — those permit holders are advised to restrict burning and exercise extreme caution.
Under section 8.03 of Kawartha Lakes By-Law 2016-11, those having a fire during a burn ban can be charged under the Provincial Offences Act and will also be responsible for the costs incurred by fire control.
