Fire bans, take them seriously

With fires raging throughout the area, the ban on all fires is something to take seriously. Anyone who thinks they can get away with a small campfire, lighting a few fireworks in the back yard, throwing a cigarette out the window… need only look at the evacuations in Shawanaga First Nation and Milford Bay, or the recent grass and bush fires in McDougall Township and Port Sydney.
The fire ban is something to take seriously today. While some of these blazes are likely due to lightning, it doesn’t really matter what the source is. The message here is that everything in our area will burn, easily and quickly, amid our dry conditions.
Fire departments continue to receive calls about fires despite bans. The onus is on all of us to report irresponsible fires, and remind anyone we see lighting a match that when they do, they pub animals, forests, homes and ultimately, lives, at risk.
The ban applies to backyards, parks, shorelines – there are not exceptions. Nor should there be. Take the wellbeing of friends, neighbours, visitors and the great outdoors seriously. Don’t light a spark, and keep your fingers crossed that rain in the forecast materializes later this week so we can get on with the summer plans that include camp fires and fireworks.

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