Kingston Fire & Rescue Issues Open Air Burn Ban Due to Fire Hazard Risk

Published on: 2018/07/10 - in Releases

RELEASE — Kingston Fire & Rescue has issued a ban on open air burning, due to the recent dry conditions.

The ban comes into effect immediately and applies to all properties within Kingston until further notice. Violators face potential fines of up to $50,000 and may also be liable for fire suppression costs. No authorization to burn will be permitted during the burn ban.

“This is about fire prevention. The forecast shows the generally dry conditions are continuing, with little precipitation predicted for the area, so there is a higher risk of fire. If the current conditions continue, a complete burn ban will be issued,” says Ted Posadowski, Chief Fire Prevention Officer.

Kingston Fire & Rescue would like to remind citizens of the following:

• Remove all vegetation and other material that could spread the fire.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Keep your fire on a non-combustible surface and away from structures.
• Have an adequate supply of water available to extinguish or control the fire.
• Pay attention to wind conditions, smoke and potential spark hazards.
• To be cautious when disposing of smoking materials.

“Residents may have a small, controlled fire no more than 45 cm wide by 45 cm high, that is used to provide warmth or cooking food, recreationally, and for religious or ceremonial purposes,” says Posadowski.

As weather conditions and fire risk change, Kingston Fire & Rescue will continue to update the status of this open air burn ban.

Go to the City of Kingston website for burn ban updates and guidelines for open air burning.


Photo: Azadeh Farshidi (cc)
Release source: City of Kingston