Fire officials are reminding residents that the restricted fire ban will remain in place through the long weekend.
Due to COVID-19, the province’s total fire ban remains in effect for the district, meaning you cannot have an outdoor fire in the Restricted Fire Zone.
This includes the prohibiting of all burning, including grass, debris and campfires – even when using an outdoor fire grate, fireplace or fire pit.
In an interview with MyParrySoundNow, MacDougall Fire Chief and West Parry Sound Fire Coordinator Brian Leduc said they’re hoping residents will adhere to the ban, so departments can address any concerns and do so with as minimal contact as possible.
“So a fire would cause crews to be in the community or working in close proximity with other fire crews and potentially contracting or spreading any virus that may be out there on crew members that they’re not aware of or members of the community in close proximity that they might not be aware of.”
Back in April, Leduc voiced concerns of people who’d not been abiding by the ban, saying the MacDougall Fire Department had to respond to a number of calls within a span of just a few days.
He notes with the May 24 weekend, people need to use common sense and avoid the repercussions.
“This is a total fire ban,” Leduc added. “No open-air fires, no fireworks, no campfires. If you do not comply and you get caught, potentially from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry officers, you’re looking at around a $700 fine, to begin with.”
Leduc also says that’s without factoring in fines from local fire departments and bylaw violations.
He adds for the sake of enjoying the long weekend – simply don’t light up.