Jenna Cocullo, Local Journalism Initiative
Some semblance of normality will be coming to Chatham-Kent Tuesday afternoon as the burn permit ban will be lifted.
Fire chief Chris Case made the announcement at Monday night’s virtual council meeting.
The fire service put the ban in place on April 1 for 28 days and later extended it into the month of May.
Residents will now be able to apply for permits and utilize the open air burn pits.
Case had previously said that firefighters often get called out when neighbours report a burn, and the department wanted staff to interact with the community when it was essential. But now the command staff have been able to supply themselves with a comfortable supply of personal protective equipment.
“Two months ago nearly, we started taking some significant changes to our operations to ensure the health, safety and welfare of not only our community but as well our staff,” he said. “And I am pleased to tell you that we’ve done a great deal of work on our operational procedures.”
Firefighters have attended a number of campfires during the suspension. On every occasion fire officials spoke with the homeowner and advised them about the ban. Most people were receptive and have extinguished the burns.
READ MORE: C-K firefighters work to stay COVID-free
Applications for Recreational Permits & Open Air Burning Permits may only be obtained online at this time as municipal service centers remain closed to the public.
To submit an application residents can:
- Scan and email application to ckinfo@chatham-kent.ca; customer service representative will call for phone payment; permit will be emailed
- Mail the application & payment to Customer Service 315 King St. W, PO Box 640 Chatham, ON N7M 5K8; permit will be mailed
- Drop off application & payment to a municipal centre drop box (Blenheim, Civic Centre, Dresden, Ridgetown, Tilbury, Wallaceburg); permit will be mailed
For more information, contact the Municipality of Chatham-Kent at 519-360-1998.
