Fire ban in northern York Region to be lifted Wednesday

YorkRegion.com
Aug. 16, 2016
By Chris Simon  

Several northern York Region municipalities are set to douse their outdoor burning ban.

York Region Media Group has learned East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King and Whitchurch-Stouffville will lift their fire bans Aug. 17 at 10 a.m. Newmarket and Aurora monitored conditions, given the extremely dry weather over the last few weeks, but there was never technically a ban in place in those municipalities.

"I thank the EG residents and permit holders who comply with the requirements of permit and observe the burning ban when in place,” East Gwillimbury Fire Chief Phil Dawson said Tuesday. “This helps us to work together for a fire and life safe community.”

The ban came into effect Aug. 11.

Outdoor, open-air burning is not permitted during a fire ban. This includes campfires, chimney fireplaces, fireworks and any other kind of outdoor burning.

All fire permits are cancelled until the fire ban has been officially lifted. Residents can still use natural gas or propane barbecues and outdoor appliances, as long as they have an on and off switch or valve. 

Anyone having an open-air fire while a fire ban is in place can be fined.