Burn ban lifted

Prince Edward County Fire & Rescue (PECFR) administration has lifted the burn ban effective immediately.

Surface vegetation is starting to green and become less combustible, all open-air burning is now permitted.

Residents are encouraged to conduct their burning activities in areas that are accessible to a fire apparatus.

Many surfaces including fields are soft and remain inaccessible to a fire apparatus for rapid control of a fire.

Interim Fire Chief Tim Kraemer reminds the public that property owners are responsible for the care and control of all intentionally set fires, and for all costs associated with the suppression of fires that become out of control.

MARCH 30: Prince Edward County Fire & Rescue (PECFR) is restricting all burning in the municipality effective Wednesday, April 1 at midnight.

The restriction is due to the following:
Dormant grass dries quickly following a rain event and is easily ignited resulting in the rapid spread of fire.
Spring conditions including soft ground, mud and flooded surfaces interfere with the operation of fire apparatus when leaving a paved or gravel surface. A delayed response provides more time for fire to spread beyond the area of origin and may ignite other objects or structures.

The burn ban restricts all fires including campfires, burn barrels, chimeneas, brush piles and yard waste.

Cooking devices that are designed to cook food with wood pellets or charcoal, such as smokers or grills, are permitted for use. Any cooking devices, outdoor fireplaces and fuel fired appliances that use propane or natural gas are also exempt from the burn ban.

All burn permits have been placed under restriction, and the electronic system will not permit anyone to activate their permit for burning.

Fire administration will continue to regularly monitor conditions and will adjust burning restrictions as conditions improve.

The municipality reminds all residents and visitors that the property owner is responsible for the care and control of an intentionally set fire. In addition, the property owner is responsible for all costs associated with extinguishing a fire that is out of control.

Any questions regarding the burn ban may be directed to PECFR by calling 613.476.2345.