The City of Kawartha Lakes is reminding residents that the annual burn ban is in effect in April.
During the city-wide burn ban, you are not allowed to have any type of fire on your property. Fire pits, bonfires, and burn barrels are not allowed.
Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue has already responded to numerous burning complaints, some of which have gotten out of control causing dangerous circumstances such as grass fires.
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Response to non-critical calls uses vital resources and places first responders at further risk and exposure to the COVID-19 virus, according to a media release from the city.
Residents who set a fire during the burn ban will be responsible for the costs incurred for the fire service response and potential fire suppression efforts. You may also be charged under the Provincial Offences Act.
Under the city’s burn by-law, fires can only be used for the sole purpose of heating or cooking and only when no other means of heating or cooking are available. Fires used for heating and cooking must be extinguished as soon as the fire is no longer required and cannot exceed 60 centimetres in size.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has also implemented a restricted fire zone for Ontario’s entire fire region, which includes areas of the northern Kawartha Lakes. The restricted fire zone overrides any municipal by-law or fire permits that may have been issued prior to this announcement.
Residents can also take additional steps to prevent fires:
- Be vigilant when discarding cigarette butts and matches while outdoors
- Ensure that matches and lighters are kept or locked in areas not accessible to children and youth
- Remind children and youth of the dangers of playing with and lighting fires
- Be aware of your surroundings when outdoors in open fields and wooded areas
Residents are also reminded that the careless disposal of smoking materials is a main cause of accidental fires. Grass fires have the potential to cause extensive damage and injury, and also use emergency resources that could be required for other urgent situations.
