Open-air fire ban issued in Ottawa days after grass fires

Firefighters respond to a grass fire in Ottawa. April 2026. (Source: Ottawa Fire Services)

Ottawa Fire Services has issued an open-air fire ban in the city of Ottawa.

The ban was issued Tuesday morning, following an extended period of dry weather.

While Ottawa has seen more than 90 millimetres of rain in April, there hasn’t been any since April 18.

Firefighters dealt with grass fires this past weekend, including one that burned more than an acre of land.

All open-air fires are prohibited during a ban, including properties that have an open-air fire permit.

This ban applies to agricultural burns, brush pile burns, as well as campfires.

“There will be zero tolerance enforcement during the fire,” Ottawa Fire Services says. “We appreciate your assistance in preventing grass or other dangerous fires to occur during high-risk periods.”

Rain is back in the forecast, with showers expected Tuesday afternoon and up to 40 millimetres of rain starting Wednesday night.

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