The Burlington Fire Department has issued a fire ban, effective immediately, prohibiting all outside fires in Burlington, including open air burning, controlled brush burning and recreational burning.

“Brush fires tend to occur during hot, dry weather especially when there is a lack of rainfall as we have been experiencing during the past few weeks,” said Chief Fire Prevention Officer Joe Wintar.

The fire danger rating is high for the Burlington area due to limited rainfall and high temperatures.

Residents are also being reminded to be careful when using outdoor candles and other backyard items that may produce heat or flame.

People who fail to comply with the fire ban could be fined. The City of Burlington has set a cost-recovery charge of more than $450 per responding vehicle for the fire department to respond to a location where open air burning is not approved .

All burning permits are suspended until further notice to protect public safety. No burning can take place during smog alert days and open air burning bans.

For more information contact the Burlington Fire Department at 905-637-8253 or visit www.burlington.ca/openairburning