Ottawa Fire Services implementing city-wide burn ban due to dry spring conditions

All open air fires are being prohibited in Ottawa, including for those residents that have open air fire permits.

Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) says an open air burn ban will come into effect at 12:01 a.m., Wednesday, April 7.

The ban applies to agricultural burns, brush pile burns, as well as campfires and wood burning outdoor fireplaces. 

OFS says there will be zero tolerance enforcement during the fire ban, as per the Open Air Fire By-law No. 2004-163. 

Devices which do not require a permit such as propane, ethanol, and natural gas outdoor fireplaces and barbecues are not included in the ban and residents are advised to follow the manufacturer's specifications for safe operation.

OFS says the burn ban is based on this spring's environmental conditions. Officials are noticing a large amount of dry vegetation left over from last fall, which can quickly lead to fast and uncontrolled spread of fire, especially in grass and brush. 

The ban is expected to remain in place until conditions improve and green grass starts to show through tall dead grass.

In the meantime, residents are encouraged to take advantage of weekly yard waste collection and use the following tips to prevent grass and brush fires:

• Clear all combustible materials such as tree limbs, leaves and other dry materials away from buildings and propane tanks.
• Keep barbecue propane tanks at least three metres from buildings.
• Wood piles should be stored a safe distance from your home.
• Trees should be pruned to create a good vertical separation from the ground.
• Clear out any accumulated dry or dead debris from your property.

Carelessly discarded cigarettes continue to be a major cause of grass fires during these dry periods. Smokers are reminded to please use care when butting out. Do not throw lit cigarettes out vehicle windows.