Fire bans enacted in Pembroke and Petawawa

Campfire (FILE)

Fire department officials in Pembroke and Petawawa have ordered burn bans for their respective municipalities as hot, dry weather continues.

“No open-air burning, including recreational fires, as outlined in By-law 2023-63 shall be permitted. All permits issued to City of Pembroke residents are being suspended at this time,” Pembroke Fire Chief Scott Selle said in a news release Monday. “This ban on recreational fires shall also encompass the Riverside Park Campground, including the public fire pits located there.

CSA approved propane and natural gas fired outdoor appliances may still be used but must be handled with caution. If using cooking appliances, it is the responsibility of the owner/operator to attend, control, and supervise the appliance at all times.

The fire ban in Pembroke is effective immediately and will be in place until further notice.

The ban in Petawawa officially comes into force at noon Monday, Acting Fire Chief Craig Proulx said in a news release.

“The Town of Petawawa Fire Department has issued a complete fire ban in effect for the Town of Petawawa. This means all recreational, campground, and rural fire permits are suspended until further notice and no new permits will be issued while the fire ban is in effect,” Proulx wrote. “The Town of Petawawa Fire Department appreciates your cooperation. We continue to monitor the fire indices on a daily basis and are working collaboratively with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.”

Eastern Ontario has seen below-average rainfall for much of the summer. Open-air fires are also banned in Ottawa and Kingston.

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