Partial burn ban lifted in Prince Edward County

SEPT. 26: Prince Edward County Fire & Rescue (PECFR) has lifted the partial burn ban posted Aug. 28 and all open-air burning is now permitted.

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.

The use of accelerants to start a fire is unsafe and can lead to serious injuries. Use paper and small dry kindling to start your controlled fire.

All fires must be supervised; unattended and smouldering fires can easily spread. Smoke from fires must not interfere with the enjoyment of neighbouring properties.

Suggested tools for the control and extinguishment of small campfires or brush fires include a charged garden hose, pails of water, a rake, broom, or shovel. Be sure to have your tools ready before you light a fire.

Burn permit holders burning larger brush piles—or multiple piles—are encouraged to have machinery on hand to control the fire and to smother the pile once burning is complete, to prevent smouldering or spread to combustible materials.

A burn permit is required for all open-air burning. Permits expire at the end of each calendar year.

AUG. 28: Prince Edward County Fire & Rescue (PECFR) will move from a full burn ban to a partial burn ban effective Friday, Aug. 29.

The partial burn ban will remain in place until PECFR has determined the fire risk level is acceptable.

Under a partial burn ban, burning is restricted to a container with a screened top or a small campfire. Propane-fueled appliances such as barbecues and fire tables are exempted from the Open-Air Burning Bylaw.

All burn permit holders and anyone having a fire should read the burning restrictions and follow the bylaw when setting an open-air fire.

A burn permit is required for all open-air burning.
The fire chief evaluates weather and ground conditions to determine the necessity of a burn ban. When conditions improve, the ban will be updated.

The burn status can be checked anytime by calling 1.833.376.1011 or by visiting the County website or pec.burnpermits.com
For more information, contact Fire Dispatch, Prince Edward County at 613.476.2345 or fire@pecounty.on.ca

Full burn ban in Prince Edward County

AUG. 8: Prince Edward County Fire & Rescue (PECFR) is restricting all burning in the municipality effective immediately with a complete burn ban in effect.

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.

The restriction is due to extremely dry conditions with the possibility of rapid fire spread and severe heat conditions which expose firefighters to increased health risks including heat stroke and fatigue.

The burn ban will remains in effect until PECFR has determined that the fire risk level is acceptable.

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