Ontario province wide FIRE BAN effective Friday, April 3, 2020.
Ontario's entire legislated fire region is designated a Restricted Fire Zone. This means NO OUTDOOR FIRES—this includes burning of grass, debris and campfires, even when using an outdoor fire grate, fire place or fire pit.
"During this very challenging time when we are fighting the spread of the virus, our number one priority is the health and safety of the people of Ontario," said John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. "We are putting these important preventative measures in place now to ensure that our emergency responders are able to focus their efforts where they are needed most."
This restriction will remain in place until Ontario's ability to respond to emergencies is no longer impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Local municipalities are working to update their websites with information for residents. Meanwhile, Ontarians can learn about the rules under a Restricted Fire Zone at ontario.ca/page/outdoor-fire-restrictions.
City of Kenora - total FIRE BAN effective Thursday, April 2, 2020
Effective Immediately (April 2, 2020) (4:00 p.m. – CST), the Chief Fire Official has declared a Restricted Fire Zone – Total Fire Ban for the City of Kenora. This ban applies to all open-air fires including, brush piles, burn barrels, campfires, chimeneas, cooking fires, consumer fireworks, incinerators and other types of outdoor burning that use solid fuels such as wood or charcoal.
Cooking appliances such as propane or natural gas cooking equipment and outdoor appliances with a mechanical shutoff are permitted.
Due to concerns surrounding the spread of COVID-19, the need for social distancing and to assist the health, safety and well-being of our firefighters, this open-air burn ban is being implemented as a precautionary measure to avoid any additional strain or exposure risk on our fire services at this time.
We are committed to providing and maintaining emergency response within our communities and we appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we cope with this uncertain and unprecedented situation.
If you have any questions, please contact Kenora Fire and Emergency Services at 807-467-2090.
