Due to current dry conditions and air quality concerns, an open-air burning ban is in effect in Niagara-on-the-Lake, says a town news release issued Thursday morning.
The ban covers all open-air burning, including cooking fires (with the exception of barbeques and other gas appliances), fireworks, and all other types of outdoor burning.
“Failure to comply may result in charges under the Ontario Fire Code and/or user fee charges for Fire Department response,” says the release.
Responding to a question from The Local about a fire ban Wednesday morning, the town said that although the province had implemented a burn ban for the Northwestern areas of Ontario, it did not include the Niagara region. Several fire departments north of Toronto had begun to implement burn bans as well. At that time, communications coordinator Marah Minor said, no other Niagara fire departments had implemented a burn ban.
“Niagara-on-the-Lake Fire & Emergency Services monitors the weather conditions daily in the summer months, utilizing the available Ministry of Natural Resource and Forestry resources, specific to forest fires. Staff will continue to monitor weather conditions and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of residents,” Minor said.
However by 5 p.m. Wednesday she told The Local the decision had been made to put the burn ban in place Thursday morning.
The town will notify the public when the burn ban is lifted via the town’s website and social media channels, Thursday’s news release says.