Campfires still allowed, but township bans larger fires
CENTRE WELLINGTON – The township is still allowing small backyard campfires but has instituted a ban on larger fires because of extremely dry conditions.
The ban covers Class B and C fires, which are larger fires, often on rural properties.
Class B permits cover fires 3 by 3 by 3 metres (6 by 6 by 6 feet) such as brush piles.
The Class C permit is a one-time permit and requires an inspection of the site by fire prevention officers prior to the permit being issued. Anyone wanting to burn an old barn would need one of these.
Currently the burn ban applies only to Class B and C fires.
Class A fires – small campfires - are still permitted, but they require a permit.
Permits cost $26 for a year and can be purchased through the township website.
Deputy fire chief Jonathan Karn said the fire department is urging residents and campers in the township to use caution while having small fires as it has been weeks without significant rain.
“Historically, Class A fires have never led to a large field fire or brush fire,” Karn said.
Still, caution needs to be used around these smaller fires.
“We’re reminding people about the rules – burn clean, dry wood, have a means to extinguish the fire nearby, and keep the fire away from combustibles,” he said.
