Photo: ontarioparks.com
Fire bans and restrictions are in place in many municipalities across the Ottawa Valley. With lots of sun and little rain over the past several weeks, local fire departments are starting to issue notices about fire bans. The forest fire danger rating in Algonquin Park is currently listed as high to extreme. If you plan to have a fire in the park, you’re reminded that it can’t be more than one metre high and one metre in diameter. In Ontario, during the camping season there is an average of at least one wildfire each day caused by unextinguished or unattended fires. In Greater Madawaska, a Level 2 burn ban has been put in place restricting all types of fires including open flames and bonfires. Town staff say anyone caught in violation of the by-law will be issued a fine with no exceptions. Bonnechere Valley remains under a Level 1 ban, meaning no permits will be issued for open burning. Campfires are still allowed in Bonnechere Valley, however the local fire department is stressing the importance of making sure flames are fully extinguished when done and to never leave a campfire unattended. The small forest fire reported earlier this week in Laurentian Valley is no longer listed as active on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry website.
