Burn bans lifted in most Ontario communities

The hot, dry conditions that led to out-of-control wildfires in northwestern Ontario last week also led to total open air fire bans in Durham Region, with most of the region’s eight municipalities lifting the ban this week.

Oshawa residents saw the ban, which was put in place July 15, lifted Wednesday, though only those with an approved fire permit respecting the open-air burning by-law are are allowed to burn. All other burning is prohibited.

The city’s by-law prohibits any fire located outside, whether burned in a container or on the ground. These include campfires, burn barrels, incinerators, construction site fires, fire pits, fire bowls, chimeneas, and outdoor wood-burning fireplaces.

Burning solid fuel outdoors, including wood, is prohibited without a valid burn permit.

Clarington Emergency and Fire Services officially lifted the burn ban on July 21. Residents who have a property big enough to have a fire at least 7.5 metres from a property line are now permitted to resume open-air burning, provided they follow regular by-law rules.

The fire ban in Whitby has also been lifted, though under the town of Whitby’s open-air burning by-law, backyard fires and campfires are not permitted at any time within town limits.

Rural, residential and agricultural fire permit applications are now open, as of July 22. Existing permit holders may resume burning, following all permit requirements. Permits will automatically be extended by eight days.

The fire ban in Ajax was lifted Thursday, effective immediately, as weather conditions have “improved.”

Brock Township lifted its burn ban Wednesday.

Burn bans in Pickering and Scugog are still in place but are expected to be lifted this week.

Due to the extreme heat and an increased risk of fire, municipalities across Durham Region banned outdoor fires last week.

“Current hot, dry conditions have significantly increased the potential for fire spread, placing residents, property, and firefighters at greater risk,” Scugog Fire Chief Mike Matthews said in a public notice.

The notice said there is zero tolerance for open-air burning and anyone found burning during the ban may be charged under the Provincial Offences Act and may also be responsible for the costs associated with a fire service response.