Hub Staff

An open fire ban has been declared across Bruce County. The ban effects all open air burning with the exception of campfires for cooking and warmth.

The Fire Danger Rating in the county is currently listed as Extreme and the ban, that went into effect on June 1, 2023, will remain in effect until such time that it has been declared safe to lift.

"The Fire Danger Rating in Bruce County is Extreme. Fire danger rating levels take into account current and antecedent weather, fuel types, and both live and dead fuel moisture," read a June 1 announcement from the Town of Saugeen Shores. "The fire danger rating expresses a variety of factors that could increase the threat of an open fire, such as ease of ignition, wind speed, precipitation levels and difficulty of control."

All open-air burning permits, agricultural burn permits, and fireworks permits are suspended. Although campfires are permitted for cooking and warmth only, all campfires must be supervised at all times and extinguished immediately upon completion of cooking and/or providing warmth.

Although the fire hazard rating throughout Ontario is considered High to Extreme, currently there is not an open-air fire ban in place in Grey County.

A June 2, 2023 media release stated that the Grey County Fire Chiefs are monitoring and evaluating conditions daily.

"At this time, we would ask anyone considering an open-air fire [or] campfire to be extremely cautious and ensure they are following local municipal by-laws [and] regulations," read the release.

By-laws and regulations include having a permit if required, having a means to extinguish the fire on hand, never leaving a fire unattended and completely extinguishing fire when finished.