After a long stretch of hot, dry weather, the City of Niagara Falls has issued a temporary ban on all open air burning.
Fire Chief Jim Boutilier made the decision Thursday due to the increased risk of a fire burning out of control and spreading to nearby grass, plants and buildings. Included in the ban are cooking fires, consumer fireworks and all types of outdoor burning.
The ban will remain in effect until sustained rainfall and cooler temperatures reduces the risk of spreading fire to a manageable level. The ban comes four days after a hayfield used as a parking lot for the Niagara Lavender Festival caught fire and damaged or destroyed more than 30 vehicles.
"This past weekend in Niagara-on-the-Lake, we saw how fast fire can spread in dry conditions," said Boutilier. "We do not want to see anyone's safety or property at risk from a fire during this period."
Barbecues and other gas appliances are permitted under the ban, but the Fire Department is stressing extra caution while using them.
The city issued an open air burning ban two summers ago which lasted from June 28 to August 16.
Residents who defy the ban face charges and fines ranging from $2,000 to $50,000.
Link to original article in St. Catharines Standard.ca: Fire chief calls for burning ban in Falls