Open air fire ban still in effect in Town of St. Marys and Perth County

All open air fires are still prohibited in the Town of St. Marys and Perth County. Open air fires are defined as any fire outside of a building and include bonfires, campfires, burn barrels, outdoor fireplaces/chimineas or any other fires set in open air.

The only exceptions to the ban are cooking fires within approved campgrounds. Cooking fires in approved campgrounds are permitted on campsites from noon (12:00 p.m.) to midnight (12:00 a.m.) only. After midnight, all fires must be completely extinguished.

This fire ban is being imposed due to the extreme dryness of all vegetation in St. Marys and Perth County. Provincial forest and wild-land fire indicators are all at extreme levels. This ban shall remain in effect until further notice.

With the pending grain harvest, farmers are encouraged to exercise extreme caution with combining, as field fires can quickly overtake equipment, neighbouring crops and these fires can spread quickly into adjacent woodlands.

If you discover an open air fire, it is very important that you report fires immediately to 9-1-1. Do not delay reporting while attempting to control or extinguish the fire.

All burn permits in Perth County are suspended; however, a special burn permit has been authorized to allow cooking fires at St. Marys Kinsmen Summerfest. Fire safety measures will be in place during the event and fires will be extinguished as soon as cooking is complete.

For additional information about the fire ban, please contact the St. Marys Fire Department at 519-284-1752.

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Contacts

Richard Anderson | Fire Chief/EMC
519-284-1752 | randerson@town.stmarys.on.ca 

Brett O’Reilly | Corporate Communications & Events Manager
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | boreilly@town.stmarys.on.ca