Open air fire ban declared in Huron County

July 15, 2016

Effective immediately, the Huron County Fire Chiefs have declared an open air fire ban in Huron County due to a lack of significant rainfall and forecasted hot, dry conditions along with the provincial forest and wild-land fire indicators reaching extreme levels. There will be no open air burning permitted in Huron County until further notice. 

All open air fires are prohibited during a fire ban, including those properties that have an Open Air Fire Permit.  This ban applies to agricultural burns, brush pile burns, recreational fires, burn barrels, outdoor fireplaces/chimineas or any other fires set in open air. Municipal by-laws have set fines and surcharges for those found to be in violation of the ban.

The only exceptions to this ban are cooking fires within approved campgrounds. Cooking fires are permitted on campsites from noon (12:00pm) until midnight (12:00am) only. After midnight, all fires must be completely extinguished.

If you discover a fire in the open, it is very important that you report it immediately by calling 9-1-1.

Residents are encouraged to use the following tips to prevent grass and brush fires:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Take care when refuelling equipment, and avoid idling hot engines over or near dry vegetation.
  • Check with your municipality about yard waste pick-up and/or landfill site hours, most landfills accept yard waste, brush etc. free of charge.

If you have any questions regarding this order, please contact your local fire department.

Howick Township – Fire Chief, Shawn Edwards 519-335-3202

North Huron – Fire Chief, David Sparling 226-523-9500

Morris Turnberry – Community Fire Safety Officer, James Marshall 226-523-9500

Central Huron & Bluewater– Fire Chief, Dave Renner 519-525-6530

Huron East – Fire Chief, Marty Bedard 519-527-0160

South Huron – Fire Chief, Andrew Baird 519-235-1981

Goderich – Fire Chief, Steve Gardiner 519-525-6028

For more information contact:

Susan Cronin,
519.524.8394 (ext 3257)
scronin@huroncounty.ca