Due to the extreme heat and an increased risk of fire, municipalities across Durham Region have banned outdoor fires.
“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. This is the case for all municipalities.
Fire bans in all municipalities that have issued them will remain in effect until further notice.
Scugog
A burn ban in the Township of Scugog applies to all open-air burning within the township.
Outdoor fire pits, burn barrels, chimineas and other portable open-air fire devices are not permitted during a burn ban, the notice states.
Outdoor cooking appliances approved for use in Canada that use natural gas, propane, charcoal or electricity are permitted during the burn ban when used for their intended purpose.
Whitby
No open-air burning is permitted in Whitby, no new burn permits will be issued and all existing burn permits are temporarily void.
A public notice says the ban does not apply to outdoor appliances that are CSA- or ULC-approved and fuelled by propane or natural gas, such as barbecues and outdoor fireplaces, which remain permitted for use.
Charcoal barbecues, smokers and other listed appliances are also permitted, provided they are CSA-certified and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Uxbridge
The Uxbridge fire department’s burn ban means all types of fires are prohibited, regardless of whether a valid permit has been issued. No burning of any kind is permitted until the ban has been lifted, an Uxbridge spokesperson said in an email.
Pickering
The City of Pickering’s ban applies to all open-air burning, including all agricultural burn permits.
According to a public notice, propane and natural gas barbecues are allowed for cooking, but they must be used only on non-combustible surfaces and kept safely away from structures and dry vegetation. Pickering Fire Services urges residents to refrain from non-essential outdoor cooking using charcoal or wood-fired appliances due to the elevated risk.
Chimineas, bonfires and wood-burning appliances remain prohibited in Pickering. Propane or natural gas fire bowls and fire tables should also not be used while the burn ban is in effect.
Clarington
Clarington Emergency and Fire Services has issued the burn ban for all of Clarington.
The burn ban prohibits all types of burning, including burning on properties with active burn permits and recreational fires.
To learn more about the rules, click here.
Brock Township
In Brock Township, a burn ban is in effect immediately and until further notice. A Facebook post states burning of any type in the township is prohibited.
Ajax
Ajax Fire and Emergency Services’ temporary fire ban stipulates that all outdoor open-air burning is prohibited, according to a public notice. Existing burn permits are suspended and no new permits will be issued until the ban is lifted.
Recreational fires, fire pits, chimineas and other outdoor wood-burning appliances are not permitted.
Propane and natural gas barbecues and cooking appliances may continue to be used safely and with close supervision.
“We’re asking everyone to do their part by respecting the fire ban and using extra caution with any activity that could create sparks or open flames,” said Kaitlyn Moss, Town of Ajax public educator. “A single preventable fire can have serious consequences for our community.”
Keep outdoor cooking appliances away from combustible materials and never leave them unattended, the notice says.
Residents are advised to call 9-1-1 immediately if they see smoke or fire.
Oshawa
Oshawa Fire Services has bannned all open-air burning, with permits suspended until further notice. No new permits will be issued.
An open-air fire is any outdoor fire, whether in a container or on the ground, excluding barbecues and approved ULC-certified devices, the notice states.
ULC/CSA/Warnock Hersey-approved propane or natural gas appliances, including barbecues, fire pits and fire bowls, are permitted when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and required clearances. Charcoal barbecues are also permitted.
Campfires, burn barrels, incinerators, construction site fires, fire pits, fire bowls, chimineas and outdoor wood-burning fireplaces are not permitted, the notice said.
The notice reminds residents that burning solid fuel outdoors, including wood, is prohibited without a valid burn permit.
Follow these tips to reduce fire risk
The following tips are from Oshawa Fire and Emergency Services.
- Be vigilant when discarding cigarette butts and matches outdoors
- Ensure that matches and lighters are kept away from 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
- Report illegal open air burning by calling the Oshawa Fire Services’ dispatch non-emergency line at 905-433-1234. To report an emergency, call 9-1-1