FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, July 11, 2018 3:56 PM
Minto,ON: Minto Fire has declared a total burn ban in Minto which includes the communities of Harriston, Palmerston, Clifford & Minto township. Due to the extreme dry conditions there will be no open air burning permitted in the Town of Minto until further notice. This ban will remain in place until further notice or conditions improve.
Certain periods in the year create conditions that make even controlled burning dangerous, and this risk can quickly lead to fast and uncontrolled spread of fire. There are a number of conditions that warrant restrictions throughout the year. These circumstances include, but are not limited to: high winds, prolonged dry spells, early spring surface conditions, cut fields or wet conditions that do not allow our firefighting equipment to access remote or rural locations.
All open air fires are prohibited during a fire ban, including for those properties that have an Open Air Fire Permit. This ban applies to agricultural burns, brush pile burns, as well as campfires. Fines are in place to enforce the ban when required.
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of weekly yard waste collection and use the following tips to prevent grass and brush fires:
Clear all combustible materials such as tree limbs, leaves and other dry materials away from buildings and propane tanks.
Keep barbecue propane tanks at least three meters from buildings.
Wood piles should be stored a safe distance from your home.
Trees should be pruned to create a good vertical separation from the ground.
Clear out any accumulated dry or dead debris from your property.
Cigarettes: Carelessly discarded cigarettes continue to be a major cause of grass fires during these dry periods. Smokers are reminded to please use care when butting out. Do not throw lit cigarettes out vehicle windows.
We thank residents for their patience and cooperation with this matter. For more information, please contact Minto Chief Fire Prevention Officer Cam Forbes at 519-338-2511 or by emailing c.forbes@mintofiredept.on.ca