UPDATE: The City of Kingston reported on June 13:
“The open-air fire ban that was put in place on June 5 has been lifted effective 8 a.m. this morning. While conditions no longer require a ban, a free open-air fire permit is required for fires and can be obtained by visiting the City of Kingston website. Please remember to follow all conditions on the permit to ensure safe burning practices.”
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Effective immediately, a total open-air burn ban has been implemented for the entire municipality of Kingston due to prevailing dry conditions and heightened fire risk. The ban, enforced by Kingston Fire and Rescue, will take effect from 1 p.m. today and will remain in place until deemed unnecessary by authorities.
Under this ban, all activities involving open-air fires are strictly prohibited, including campfires, outdoor appliance fires, agricultural fires, and brush fires. Additionally, setting off fireworks is strictly forbidden during this period. However, the use of propane and natural gas appliances, smokers, barbecues, and charcoal appliances is still permitted, provided extreme caution is exercised.
The decision to impose the burn ban comes as a response to the prevalence of large and uncontrollable wildfires across the country, some of which have significantly affected air quality in Kingston, particularly due to fires in Ontario and Quebec. To safeguard the community, Kingston Fire and Rescue, in collaboration with mutual-aid partners in Frontenac and Lennox and Addington, have taken this proactive measure.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and comply with the burn ban regulations to prevent the further escalation of fire risks in the region. Authorities will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide timely updates as conditions evolve.
In the interest of public safety, Kingston Fire and Rescue emphasizes the importance of adhering to the burn ban until it is lifted. The cooperation of all residents is vital to mitigate the potential for fire incidents and protect the well-being of the community.
