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For Immediate Release
Please be advised that effective Wednesday, May 6th, 2020, at 8:00 am, the total burning ban has been lifted in the Township of South Frontenac. This means that residents can return to having open air fires including open air cooking fires, camping fires, and approved incinerator or brush pile fires that are in compliance with the regulations set in the Township’s burning Bylaw 2012-68.
Mayor Ron Vandewal spoke to the lifting of the ban, “Spending more time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic has made many of us eager to clean up our yards, but it is important that we do so safely. I want to thank residents for their patience during this difficult time – I know that the past few months have been challenging for all of us, but our community has stood together in order to ensure the safety of all residents.”
Residents are reminded of the importance of complying with all the safety directives of the Township’s burning Bylaw 2012-68 which is available on our website – https://www.southfrontenac.net/en/living-here/fire-ban-status.aspx.
Although the Township’s local fire ban has been lifted, a provincial fire ban enacted by the Ministry of Nature Resources & Forestry (MNRF) is still in place for the northern portion of the Township including Bedford District and Frontenac Provincial Park.
On April 3rd, 2020, the MNRF instituted a province-wide ban within restricted fire zones, in part because of the impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic on the capacity of emergency responders, but also because a moderate Forest Fire Danger Rating still exists in the northern half of the Township and other parts of Frontenac County as identified by the MNRF.
This Province wide ban only effects the Bedford District of the Township and all of Frontenac Provincial Park, and remains in place despite the lifting of the Township’s fire ban. Residents who live within the Province’s restricted fire zone cannot have an outdoor fire – this includes burning of grass, debris and campfires, even if using an outdoor fire grate, fire place or fire pit. The Township cannot control or enforce the Provincial ban. This means that Bedford District residents are required to comply with these restrictions. To see a map of Ontario’s fire region, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/forest-fires
The Province has indicated that this restriction will remain in place until Ontario’s ability to respond to emergencies is no longer impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents can learn more about the provincial rules under a Restricted Fire Zone at https://www.ontario.ca/page/outdoor-fire-restrictions.
Fire Chief Darcy Knott reiterated to residents that although the ban has been lifted, health and safety protocol should remain in place, “I encourage residents to continue to follow social distancing guidelines, adhere to the regulations within the burning by-law 2012-68, and to be and think safe when it comes to fires.”
Residents are also reminded that any infraction of By-law 2012-68 can result in significant financial penalties. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact South Frontenac Fire and Rescue at 613-376-3027 ext. 2234.
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Darcy Knott
Director of Fire and Emergency Services
Fire Chief/CEMC
Tel: 613-376-3027 Ext. 2234
1-800-559-5862
firechief@southfrontenac.net
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