Rural Townships Issue Open Burn Ban – Effective Immediately

Waterloo Region – In an effort to reduce the increased fire risk caused by continuing dry and hot weather, an Open Burn Ban has been issued in the Townships of North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich.

The ban will begin effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice. An Open Burn refers to the burning of materials such as wood, cardboard, tree limbs, brush and or garden waste, where the flame is not wholly contained, but does not include campfires or recreational fires. However, conditions are extremely dry and all reasonable precautions should be taken to prevent fire spread.  Fines are in place for those found to be in violation and the ban also applies to Open Burn Permit holders.

Barbecues are still permitted, as well as campfires which do not exceed 61 x 61 cm (2 x 2 ft), please be cautious, attentive, and have extinguishing agents available at all times. Although some sections of the rural Townships have received some rainfall in the last week, overall conditions in brush, grass and wheat field stubble remains dry with the risk of fire spreading quickly.  With a lack of rain in the forecast for the next period of time, this temporary ban will help keep our townships’ safe.

Remember to always call 9-1-1 to report a fire.

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Media contacts:

Rae Ann Bauman, Corporate Communications
Phone: 519-669-6021
Email: rbauman@woolwich.ca

For more information, contact:

North Dumfries
Robert Shantz, Fire Chief
Phone: 519-632-7956
Email: rshantz@northdumfries.ca

Wellesley
Paul Redman, Fire Chief
Phone: 519-699-3941
Email: predman@wellesley.ca

Wilmot
Rod Leeson, Fire Chief
Phone: 519-634-8444, ext. 247
Email: rod.leeson@wilmot.ca

Woolwich
Dennis Aldous, Fire Chief
Phone: 519-669-6011
Email: daldous@woolwich.ca