Prince Edward County Fire & Rescue (PECFR) has lifted the partial burn ban effective immediately. All open-air burning is now permitted.
A burn permit is required for all open-air burning. Permits expire at the end of each calendar year.
Interim Fire Chief Tim Kraemer reminds the public that property owners are responsible for the care and control of all intentionally set fires, and for all costs associated with the suppression of fires that become out of control.
The use of accelerants to start a fire is unsafe and can lead to serious injuries. Use paper and small dry kindling to start your controlled fire.
All fires must be supervised; unattended and smouldering fires can easily spread. Smoke from fires must not interfere with the enjoyment of neighbouring properties.
Suggested tools for the control and extinguishment of small campfires or brush fires include a charged garden hose, pails of water, a rake, broom, or shovel. Be sure to have your tools ready before you light a fire.
Burn permit holders burning larger brush piles—or multiple piles—are encouraged to have machinery on hand to control the fire and to smother the pile once burning is complete, to prevent smouldering or spread to combustible materials. Please review the required conditions for brush pile burning, which include size limits, approved materials, and safe distances from property lines, woodlots, and structures.
Burn permit holders and anyone having a fire must read and follow the by-law and burning restrictions. Permit holders must activate their burn permit prior to starting any fire. Activate your permit by calling 1-833-376-1011 or visiting pec.burnpermits.com.
The current burn status can be checked anytime by calling 1-833-376-1011, visiting the County website, or going to pec.burnpermits.com.
For more information, contact Prince Edward County Fire Administration at 613-476-2345 or fire@pecounty.on.ca.
The municipality reminds the public that burning garbage and treated or painted wood is prohibited and violates the Open-Air Burning By-law 77-2021.
Violations of the by-law may result in cost recovery for services provided by PECFR.
To report illegal burning, call 613-476-2345 immediately at the time of your complaint. In an emergency, dial 911.
(PAUL MARTIN)
