Photo: ontarioparks.com
Recent rain in the Ottawa Valley has helped local firefighters lower their guard against sudden brushfires.
The local fire departments in Renfrew, Arnprior, and Pembroke have all lifted their respective fire bans, which have spanned nearly a month, as a dryer than usual August created an extreme risk for forest fires, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Lifting the ban allows community members with proper permits to start recreational fires, so long as they follow municipal bylaws, and residents who want to apply for a burn permit can once again do so through their respective town halls.
However, officials are still stressing caution about the dangers of burning. In a statement, Pembroke Fire Chief Scott Selle says burning outside specific times laid out in the bylaw can result in offenders having their permit withdrawn, plus fines and cost recovery for any damage caused by an out-of-control fire.
Check in with town staff in your community to check when, where, and how you can burn before lighting a fire.
(written by Kasey Egan)
