It's going to take a heavy downpour of rain for the fire ban to be lifted in Chatham-Kent.
Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services (CKFES)'s open-air fire ban, which was declared on Friday, is still in effect due to recent hot and dry conditions in the municipality. All open-air fires are prohibited, including those on properties that have an Open-Air Fire Permit.
“We would like to remind residents that a fire ban means no burning at all. Anything with an open flame will produce embers and sparks that could cause a secondary fire,” explains Operations Chief Chris Case. “Propane and natural gas-fueled appliances, such as BBQ’s are not part of the fire ban, however, they need to be kept at a safe distance from anything that could catch fire.”
Dave Uitvlugt, Station 10 deputy chief with CKFES, says so far, people have been following the rules.
"You need a burn permit to even have an open-air campfire, so they understand the laws and regulations that if there is fire ban not to burn," he says.
Public Educator Whitney Burk says if CKFES responds to an open-air burn during the open air fire ban, it will be investigated as outlined in the Open Air Burn Bylaw. Offenders may be prosecuted and/or fined and invoiced for the cost of the incident.
Uitvlugt says Chatham-Kent will probably have to wait until the next time it rains for the ban to be lifted.
"As long as there is dry grounds and dry grass, we're not going to have any fire permits allowed," says Uitvlugt.
CKFES will continue to monitor provincial fire risks maps and the fire ban will be lifted once conditions improve.
