FIRE HAZARDS                   FRONTENAC NEWS - MAY 12, 2007

THE FOLLOWING IS INFORMATION GLEANED FROM THE LOCAL PAPER, THE FRONTENAC NEWS, GIVING SOME GUIDANCE TO THE BURNING ISSUES

From the Frontenac News, April 24, 2003-05-09

Two recent spells of hot, windy weather brought a spate of wildfires requiring response by the Kaladar/Barrie Fire Department, and these have prompted Chief Casey Cuddy to consider taking a harder enforcement line in the future.

“The risk of fire getting away from someone during the day is much higher for a number of reasons, such as lower humidity, warmer and drier fuels, and winds,” says the Chief. “It appears that people are not getting th message of how risky it is to burn during the day.” “Up to this point, we have been giving warnings to first-lime offenders who are burning during restricted times, and laying charges on the second or subsequent offences,” Cuddy reported. “However, due to the number of calls the Fire Department is receiving, it appears we may have to start laying charges on the first offence.”

As an interesting and telling sidebar, the Ontario Government’s Forest Fire Prevention Act website states that humans cause 55% of all fires suppressed by MNR personnel, and 15% of that total originate from residents attempting to burn grass, brush and rubbish.

The following highlight are not all-encompassing; rather, they provide a brief, common-sense guideline for open air burning. If you are planning an outdoor burn, complete Rules and regulations per bylaws should be obtained from area municipalities. If you are still unsure, then contact your local Fire Department.

NO PERSON SHALL START A FIRE OUTDOORS WITHOUT ENSURING THAT:

- conditions are safe and suitable
- there are adequate, competent personnel, equipment and water to control and extinguish the fire,
- there are no fire bans or restrictions in place,
- bylaw rules and regulations are followed, and
- the fire is on bare mineral soil or rock, and away from flammable material.

FIRES ARE PROHIBITED

between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. from April 1 to October 31 except for cooking or warmth, or in proper incinerators.

A BURNING BAN

means NO burning of brush or debris, other than in a proper incinerator, but camp fires are allowed.

A FIRE BAN

Means a TOTAL FIRE BAN.

No burning of brush, or debris,
no incinerators, and
no camp fires.

If you are found responsible for causeing a wildfire, its supperession will be hard on your wallet!
ON AN HOURLY BASIS:

$100.00 / hr: pumper or tanker
$75.00 / hr: equipment van
$15.35 / hr: firefighter
$300.00 bylaw contravention fines
$XX.xx other costs as incurred by the municipality.

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