Outdoor fire ban currently in effect - Heritage Festival fireworks will proceed with Fire Department supervision

In effect immediately, as of July 6, 2016, all open air fires are prohibited anywhere in Perth County. Open air fires are defined as any fire outside of a building and include bonfires, campfires, burn barrels, outdoor fireplaces/chimineas or any other fires set in open air.

The only exceptions to the ban are cooking fires within approved campgrounds. Cooking fires are permitted on campsites from 12:00hrs. to midnight only. After midnight, all fires must be completely extinguished.

This fire ban is being imposed due to the extreme dryness of all vegetation in Perth County. Provincial forest and wild-land fire indicators are all at extreme levels. This ban shall remain in effect until further notice.

With the pending grain harvest, farmers are encouraged to exercise extreme caution with combining; as field fires can quickly overtake equipment, neighbouring crops; and these fires can spread quickly into adjacent woodlands.

If you discover a fire in the open, it is very important that you report fires immediately to 9-1-1. Do not delay reporting while attempting to control of extinguish the fire.

All burning permits in Perth County are now suspended. No burning permits will be issued until the ban is lifted.

Stonetown Heritage Festival fireworks will proceed as scheduled.  Volunteer firefighters will be on hand with a truck to ensure the safety of the fireworks area and attendees.

If you have any questions regarding this order, please contact your local Fire Department: St Marys 519-284-1752

Richard Anderson, Fire Chief / CEMC, Town of St. Marys
E-mail: randerson@town.stmarys.on.ca
Office phone number: 519-284-1752