The fire ban across Haliburton County has been extended until at least Aug. 26.
The four fire chiefs from Algonquin Highlands, Dysart et al, Highlands East and Minden Hills agreed to extend to ban on any open-air fires Aug. 19. Restrictions have been in place since Aug. 5 due to dry conditions.
This means no outdoor burning is permitted at any time of the day or night. Bonfires, fireworks, torches, lighting of charcoal barbecues, cooking fires and use of any other light sources that use an open flame are prohibited.
“The ban is being implemented… due to ongoing hot and dry weather and is supported by the Ministry of Natural Resources,” the notice states.
Mike French, the County’s fire coordinator, previously told The Highlander that the ban will only be lifted once the area has received sufficient rainfall – likely over the course of several days. Conditions are assessed every Tuesday.
Anyone violating the ban could face financial penalties. Algonquin Highlands issues a flat fine of $1,000 to any offender. People will also be billed if fire trucks have to respond to their property, being charged by the truck, by the hour, according to rates set by the Ministry of Transportation. These rates start at approximately $575 per truck for the first hour of attendance.
Neither Dysart et al nor Highlands East carries flat rate fines, though does use MTO rates for callouts.
The 27-hectare Burnt River forest fire, raging since Aug. 9, was declared to be under control by MNR Aug. 18. This means the blaze has received sufficient suppression action to ensure no further spread. A 33.5-hectare fire in Kirkfield, which started Aug. 11, was brought under control Aug. 15.
As of Aug. 20, MNR has reduced the local forest fire danger rating to low, with no active out-of-control fires in the region.
