All four lower-tier municipalities have declared a total fire ban until further notice.
Any outdoor fires, including those under daytime burn permits, are prohibited. Fireworks permits are suspended.
“Whether in the backyard of your home, the cottage or at a campground, make fire safety a priority,” said Shain Duda, Minden Hills deputy fire chief, in a May 12 press release. “Open-air burning, especially if left unattended, can become difficult to control and can result in a serious widespread fire.”
The fire danger status in Haliburton County is classified as “extreme”
Minden Hills’ fire department provided the following fire safety tips:
- Fires start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious, report any fire or smoke to 9-1-1.
- Do not discard ashes or charcoal briquettes outdoors, soak it, stir it and soak it again, ensure that they are cold to the touch before discarding them.
- Small fires can develop into high-intensity burning situations quickly.
- Many firework-related injuries and fires were caused by fireworks that are consumer fireworks bought in the local stores.
- 59 percent of brush, grass, or forest fires were caused by fireworks in Canada.
For more information contact the automated fire safety status phone line: 249-802-3535.
