Yard Cleanup and Open-air Burning

The traditional time of year for a major yard and lawn cleanup has arrived. With the sun out and weather temperatures rising, everybody tends to get out for some long awaited exercise. Whether it is taking walks or working on early grooming of lawns and flowerbeds, the desire to be outside takes over. Part of this cleanup sometimes involves burning the remnants of winter, such as broken tree branches, brush and tree trimmings. As a reminder though, conducting open-air burning requires a Burn Permit. Even recreational bon/camp fires contained in a clay chimnea or factory built fire pot requires a Burn Permit.

Fire Chief Brent Marshall reminds everybody, including farmers that they must obtain a Burn Permit prior to conducting any burns. Very few fires occur on the properties of those who have a Permit issued to them. A few friendly reminders of conducting safe burns are usually included when applying for a Permit.

Fire Chief Marshall says, “With warm, sunny spring conditions, Firefighters usually see a sharp increase in grass and brush fires which can cause extensive damage and threaten buildings and properties”. Chief Marshall adds, “A grass fire fuelled by wind conditions can destroy an extensive number of acres and bush before being brought under control by Firefighters”.

The Burn Permit Program includes a number of safeguards in the prevention of fires by monitoring wind conditions, smog/heat advisories and moisture conditions. All of which play a very significant role in the prevention and reduction of fires.

Additional information regarding Burn Permits can be obtained at the Departments’ Information Centre at Georgetown Marketplace or by calling 905-877-1133.

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