socastcmsRssStartOldies 100.9 News staffsocastcmsRssEnd
Northumberland and Hastings residents are being reminded that total burn bans remain in place and are urged to take the bans seriously amid significant fires nearby and hazardous conditions.
In Northumberland, communities across the county put in place total open air burn bans last week, with officials citing extremely dry conditions and deteriorating air quality caused by ongoing wildfires across Ontario and Manitoba as concerns.
The bans are in place until further notice and aim to reduce the risk of wildfires and protect public safety during a period of elevated fire danger, officials previously explained.
The bans mean all forms of open air-burning are strictly prohibited. Meanwhile, a partial ban was issued about the same time last week in Quinte West; however, that ban has now been upgraded as of Monday, Aug. 11 to a total burn ban.
This was also the case in Belleville, the city announced Monday, and now for all communities across Hastings County. Again, officials said these bans will be in place until further notice.
Quinte West fire Chief Rick Caddick – who also serves as Hastings and Prince Edward counties’ fire co-ordinator – said the county-wide ban is necessary as ongoing dry conditions increase the potential for rapid and uncontrollable spread of open-air fires.
Officials have noted that conditions continue to be monitored carefully, and updates will be issued when appropriate.
Officials are also reminding residents to not throw cigarettes out car windows, with such incidents attributed as the cause of recent grass fires.
Meanwhile, since the weekend, two major fires have been reported not far away. Crews have been working to contain a large forest fire in the Burnt River Kawartha area since Friday. Aerial water bombers are reportedly targeting the most active zones, while tanker trucks aid in ground operations.
County 49 has been closed as a result of the blaze between County Road 121 and Bury’s Green – a total fire ban is also in effect in the region, with residents urged to report any smoke sightings and avoid the area.
In the Municipality of Marmora and Lake, crews are also continuing to fight a large wildfire in the northern area. The Ministry of Natural Resources has crews on the ground and water bombers in the area as well.
Residents are being asked to remain vigilant and for all to do their part to prevent the spread of fire during these hazardous conditions, and that means following all fire safety guidelines.
As a reminder, not following burn bans can also lead to fines and charges under the Ontario Fire Code and municipal bylaws.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
