KAWARTHA LAKES-Crews responded to a small grass fire at the Fenelon Falls fairgrounds this afternoon.
It happened at around noon today and Fire Chief Terry Jones told Kawartha 411 News crews were able to extinguish it quickly. The cause is unknown at this time.
Local fire officials remind residents that even though the ground seems wet, the brush above is dry and can easily catch fire this time of year.
Chief Jones told Kawartha 411 the fires were all small and easily controlled by firefighters but that people need to be aware of the conditions.
A burn ban is in effect for the entire month of April. Residents will be notified when the ban is lifted.
All Regular Annual Burn Permits are suspended during the month of April and during any other city-wide imposed burn ban.
“Each year in April, a burn ban is imposed as part of the open-air burning by-law. Even though there may be snow or localized flooding, dry grass and debris catch fire easily and the flames spread quickly,” said FireChief Terry Jones. “The April burn ban helps reduce the risk to our residents and firefighters.”
Under section 8.03 of By-Law 2016-110, those setting a fire during a burn ban can be charged under the Provincial Offences Act and will also be responsible for the costs incurred by potential fire suppression efforts.
The ban does not necessarily apply to those with Agricultural or Special Burn Permits as special conditions already apply to these permits. However, safe practices should be followed at all times for those authorized to burn.
“The ban may be continued past April if the conditions aren’t suitable for open-air burning,” added Jones. “Our first priority is keeping our residents and our environment safe.”
