Fire Chiefs in Bruce County have enacted a full outdoor burning ban, effective 4 p.m. April 3, that will remain in effect until further notice.
In correspondence received by media April 3, Chiefs from stations across the county are unified in the belief that a fire ban is warranted and, following the province's direction April 2, acts as a preventative measure to limit firefighters’ potential for exposure to COVID-19 and allows departments to focus their efforts on responding to incidents that are more severe in nature or life threatening.
“Bruce County municipalities are currently in a state of emergency and therefore it is important that first responders remain available for other priority incidents,” said Bruce County Fire Coordinator and Saugeen Shores Fire Chief Phil Eagleson.
The ban prohibits all outdoor burning including agricultural and recreational fires.
APRIL 4 UPDATE: In an email to Saugeen Shores Hub, Eagleson stressed that departments in Bruce County are taking this ban very seriously and that "no fires means no fires, absolutely no open flame or sparks."
Eagleson said it is the first time in history that all Bruce County fire departments have been unified in a complete fire ban and that the decision was made with three guiding principles in mind:
1. COVID-19 presents symptoms of a respiratory illness. Smoke is an irritant to respiratory issues;
2. Campfires are a wonderful part of a vacationing or camping experience, however we do not want any campers or seasonal residents coming to our area right now; and
3. We need to keep our volunteer firefighters safe and healthy for as long as possible. We do not want to impact the well being of our firefighters by sending them to outdoor burning calls that could have been avoided.
"As soon as we stop doing all activities that do not need to be done, the sooner we will be beyond this pandemic," said Eagleson, going on to say that fines and charges for violation of the ban will be determined by each of the municipality. "I can assure you actions will be taken and the consequences will be appropriate and severe," he said.
"Cooking outdoors is still allowed. Smokers, grills, gas barbecues, even charcoal cooking appliances used to feed your family are still allowed," said Eagleson. "Any approved commercial outdoor appliance like a natural gas or propane patio heater would still be allowed as well."
