Kawartha Lakes Fire Department issues a total burn ban

 Effective immediately, Kawartha Lakes Fire Department issues a total burn ban.

“Due to the special air quality alert, caused by forest fires in Quebec and northeastern Ontario and extremely dry conditions, we have made the decision to put a total burn ban in place,” said Fire Chief Terry Jones.

Though the burn ban may not apply to those with agricultural burn permits, we highly recommend that all agricultural burning be suspended while the burn ban is in place.

As per By-Law 2016-110, during a burn ban no person shall set a fire within the City of Kawartha Lakes while a burn ban is imposed for any reason other than for the sole purpose of heating and/or cooking and only when no other means of heating and/or cooking are available. The fire shall be extinguished as soon as the fire is no longer required and it cannot exceed 60cm in size.

Outdoor appliances listed for use in Canada that utilize propane or natural gas as a fuel supply are allowed to be used.

The ban will remain in effect until further notice. Any updates will be communicated to the public through local media and the municipality’s social media channels and website.

Under Section 8.03 of By-Law 2016-110, any person who sets an open fire in the city assumes full responsibility for fire control and may be liable for costs incurred by the Fire Department, including the costs of the personnel and equipment as authorized and set out in the City Fees By-law.

Residents are asked to check the Burn Bans, Permits and By-Laws page on our website or call 1-888-882-2225 ext. 8 for up-to-date burn hazard conditions.