With dry conditions and warm temperatures, Greater Sudbury Fire Services have been kept busy over the last few days responding to calls of bush fires.
Firefighters have been called to nine bush fires in the city over the last two days alone. Three fires were called in from the Tilton Lake area on May 17, while two more were reported in the Raft Lake area. Bush fires have also been reported on Balsam Avenue and Albany Street, both in Greater Sudbury, in Chelmsford and in Lively.
Because of the dry and warm conditions, the Ministry of Natural Resources declared a ban on open-air burning for all of Greater Sudbury late last week. All open-air fires, including campfires, chiminea fireplaces, crop residue fires and any other type of outdoor burning, are prohibited.
All open-air fire permits have been cancelled for the duration of the ban. Only gas-fired and charcoal barbecues are exempt.
The ban includes the discharge of fireworks within municipal boundaries. Fire Services will monitor weather conditions and will advise citizens should the ban be lifted.
Violation of the fire ban could lead to charges and a fine under the Provincial Offences Act. Should a violation result in a response by firefighters, the individual responsible could be charged for the full cost of fire services.
For more information about the outdoor fire ban, dial 311 for municipal services.
Posted by Darren MacDonald
