Effective immediately, Chatham-Kent Fire & Emergency Services has declared an open-air fire ban within the Municipality of Chatham-Kent due to the lack of significant rainfall and forecasted hot dry conditions, along with the Provincial forest and wild-land fire indicators at extreme levels there will be no open-air burning permitted within the Municipality of Chatham-Kent until further notice.
All open-air fires are prohibited during a fire ban including those properties that have an Open-Air Fire Permit. This ban applies to agricultural burns, recreation campfires, outdoor fireplaces/chimineas or any other fires set in open air.
“We must all do our part by not burning and we are reminding residence to be extra careful with anything that could spark a fire,” explains Operations Chief Chris Case. “It’s not just campfires that pose a risk and something as simple as tossing a lit cigarette out a car window, could have very serious implications with the dry weather we are having.”
The municipality issues this fire ban under the open-air fire bylaw section 7.1
“Despite the existence of valid Burn Permits, the Chief Fire Official or designate may issue a Burn Ban on any or all Open-Air Fires or may suspend without recourse any or all Burn Permits and cause to be extinguished all Open-Air fires.”
Please exercise extreme caution during a fire ban:
• Watch your propane or gas equipment carefully
• Cigarettes; carelessly discarding cigarettes continue to be a major cause of grass fires during these dry periods. Smokers are reminded to please use care when butting out. Do not throw lit cigarettes out of vehicles.
• Be extra cautious of anything that could start a fire.
Once a fire ban is declared, it is illegal to set a fire for any purpose within the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
If you have any questions regarding this ban, please contact the Municipality of Chatham-Kent at 519-360-1998.
