Fire bans spark concerns as extreme heat, drought-like weather continue

Can you legally light a fire in Waterloo Region? CTV’s Alexandra Holyk breaks down the latest fire bans.

Fire bans remained in place for much of Waterloo Region and the surrounding areas on Monday, as hot and dry conditions persist.

Kitchener and Cambridge implemented their temporary fire bans on Friday, citing concerns for public safety.

However, Kitchener and the rural townships still allow fires for specific cooking purposes.

“Think: no other alternative,” said Kitchener deputy fire chief Patrick O’Halloran.

“It’s not meant for s’mores, it’s not meant for roasting a marshmallow,” said Wilmot Township fire chief Rod Leeson. “That’s not considered food for nourishment.”

On Thursday, the townships of Wilmot, Wellesley, Woolwich and North Dumfries announced an open burn ban.

“All open-air fires that we’re concerned with are those backyard recreational fires, agricultural fires, anything with an open flame that is from wood-based products,” said Leeson.

Propane-based flames are permitted region-wide, while some townships, including Wilmot, also allow charcoal.

Those found to be non-compliant with the ban could face fines ranging across the region.

“If we just see a package of wieners sitting there (next to a fire), we’re not going to accept that,” Leeson said. “And you’re going to get a $300 fine.”

A partial burn ban has also been announced in Mapleton, Minto and Wellington North.

In a news release on Monday, the fire departments serving the areas announced a partial burn ban was being implemented due to ongoing dry conditions.

Only recreational cooking fires and campfires will be allowed until the ban is lifted. The ban applies to all agricultural burns, brush pule burns and any other unauthorized fires.

Experts urged residents to take the bans seriously.

“At this time, fires can easily ignite,” said Anabela Bonada, managing director of climate science and operations at the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation with the University of Waterloo.

“Vegetation is drier than normal. [Fires] could become out of control much quicker. It’s much more difficult to control them and they could produce more damage,” she said.

According to the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System, Kitchener-Waterloo is at an extreme risk for fire danger.

“Lots of us live close to a forest, have grasslands in our backyard,” Bonada noted. “If we ignite that … that fire can quickly spread and become a wildfire.”

“Just because we’re in southern Ontario doesn’t mean that we’re not at risk.”

Bonada said the risk could rise with climate change.

“More extreme heat, more wildfires on the horizon,” she said. “What we’re seeing now is what we’ll likely see going forward.”

But Bonada also said there are ways to mitigate a flame-filled future, starting with reducing emissions.

“If we don’t reduce greenhouse gas emissions, climate change is going to continue to have these major impacts on our community,” she said.

Bonada also shared recommendations on a more local, fire-related level.

“Start to picture things that are combustible close to your home and remove those as much as possible. Really do that maintenance,” she said.

The fire and burn bans are expected to remain in place until conditions improve. Officials recommend checking municipal websites for any updates.

Backyard fires are not allowed in Waterloo and Guelph.