Ottawa Fire issues burn ban

(Via Ottawa Fire)

Ottawa Fire Services is placing a city-wide fire ban into effect immediately to prevent the rapid spread of fire due to grass and brush fires. This ban will remain in place until conditions improve and the green grass starts to show through dead tall grass. ** ** Certain periods in the year create conditions that make even controlled burning dangerous and this risk can quickly lead to fast and uncontrolled spread of fire.   There are a number of conditions that warrant restrictions throughout the year.  These circumstances include but are not limited to: high winds, prolonged dry spells, early spring surfaces conditions, cut fields or wet conditions that do not allow our firefighting equipment to access remote or rural locations etc. ** All open air fires are prohibited during a fire ban even for those properties that have an Open Air Fire Permit. ** ** This ban applies to agricultural burns, brush pile burns as well as campfires. ** ** There will be zero tolerance enforcement during the fire ban. **

We thank area residents for their patience and cooperation with this matter. ** ** ** Reduce your risk around the home **

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 BBQ propane tanks at least 3 m from buildings.
• Wood piles should stored a safe distance from the home
• Trees should be pruned to create a good vertical separation from the ground
• Clear out any accumulated dry/dead debris from property

Cigarettes

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.