All four. of Waterloo Region’s townships are asking their residents not to start any open burns due to persistent dry conditions.
“The ground is very hard and dry. The fields are turning brown, which is not a good sign,” said Woolwich fire chief Rick Pedersen.
Woolwich issued its ban Thursday, with Wellesley, Wilmot and North Dumfries following suit on Friday.
In all four townships, the bans only apply to fires where the flames are not wholly contained – such as the burning of brush, cardboard, wood and garden waste.
The ban includes fires started by people who have permits for open burning.
Barbecue and campfires are still allowed, although they must be 60 cm by 60 cm or smaller.
Fire officials recommend anyone starting one of these fires be attentive to conditions and have a fire extinguisher on hand.
The bans will be in place until further notice.
With reporting by Mary Cranston
