High Fire Risk Triggers Burn Bans & Restrictions Across Grey-Bruce Region
Partial burn bans are in place in Arran-Elderslie, Brockton, Meaford, and North Bruce Peninsula; residents and visitors are urged to check local rules before burning.
Hot, dry weather and a lack of rainfall have pushed fire risk levels to high across the region, with several municipalities issuing partial burn bans and safety advisories.
Arran-Elderslie
Arran-Elderslie Fire & Emergency Services has implemented a partial open-air burn ban, effective immediately and in place until conditions improve. Prohibited activities include burning brush, wood, or yard waste; burning old buildings or structures; agricultural or industrial burning; use of burn barrels; and fireworks or sparklers.
All open-air burn permits are suspended. Small, supervised campfires for cooking or warmth in approved fire pits remain allowed. Residents are reminded to keep a shovel, water, or a fire extinguisher nearby when burning.
Brockton
The Municipality of Brockton has also issued a partial open-air fire ban, suspending permits for agricultural, brush, and derelict building burns until further notice.
Recreational fires for cooking and warmth are still permitted under Brockton’s Open Air Burn By-Law 2017-034.
Meaford
As of August 11, Meaford has increased its fire risk level from moderate to high. Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are still permitted, but large open-air burns (such as bonfires, brush fires, and demolition fires) require extreme caution.
Fires must never be left unattended, and water or other extinguishing tools must be close at hand. The municipality advises checking daily risk levels before burning at meaford.burnpermits.com.
Northern Bruce Peninsula
The municipality’s fire danger rating has been high since August 7. No open-air burning is allowed without a permit, and all fires must be supervised and equipped with tools and resources for extinguishment. Fireworks are not permitted without a valid permit. Open-air burning and fireworks permits are free of charge.
Local fire officials in all four municipalities are urging residents to comply with restrictions to reduce the risk of wildfires during this period of heightened danger.
Residents and visitors across Grey and Bruce are reminded that fire risk levels can change quickly. Always check with your local municipality or fire department for the most up-to-date restrictions and permit requirements before starting any burn.