MEDIA RELEASE July 6, 2016
Burn Ban HALTON HILLS, ON – Due to the current dry weather conditions coupled with the continued forecast of extreme temperatures with no appreciable rain in the near future, Halton Hills Fire Department has issued an immediate ban on all open air burning in the Municipality of Halton Hills. This ban suspends all previously approved Open Air Burn Permits and no new permits will be issued until the ban is lifted. This ban includes and suspends the burning of clean wood and brush, outdoor campfires/bonfires and the use of all outdoor wood burning appliances or any other open fire and will remain in effect until further notice to ensure public safety. CAO/Fire Chief Brent Marshall adds: “This fire ban has been put in place as a preventative measure to reduce the incidence of a large grass or brush fire which may place properties at high risk of loss, and be dangerous to firefighters. A small grass fire can rapidly change to a major incident during periods of extended hot weather and little rain. I encourage all residents to comply with the fire ban and help keep our municipality safe”. The Halton Hills Fire Department would like to thank all residents for their anticipated co-operation and remind them that any person found conducting open air burning in contravention of the ban, is guilty of an offence and may be subject to service charges per the Town User Fee By-Law and/or charges in accordance with the Ontario Fire Protection and Prevention Act. The Halton Hills Fire Department will continue to monitor weather and ground conditions. Residents are urged to visit the fire department website at http://www.haltonhills.ca/fire/index.php to view when the burn ban is lifted. About the Town of Halton Hills The Town of Halton Hills, with a population of approximately 60,000, consists of two urban centres, Georgetown and Acton, the Halton Hills Premier Gateway employment area, three hamlets – Glen Williams, Stewarttown and Norval – and several smaller settlements. Halton Hills has long been recognized for its natural beauty, active agricultural community, high quality of life and proximity to major centres, including Brampton, Mississauga and Toronto. The Town is ranked as one of the top small communities in Canada by a national magazine. - 30 For further information contact: Harry Olivieri Deputy Chief, Prevention & Public Education Fire Department (905) 873-2601 ext. 2102 Email:
[email protected]