Effective immediately, a total fire ban has been issued in Aurora and Newmarket and will be issued across York Region by local Fire Chiefs. This ban is necessary given the hot and dry conditions which can cause fire to spread fast.
“Given the current weather conditions and the lack of significant rain, we need to take precautions to prevent large fires and protect the health, safety and air quality of our communities,” says Central York Fire Services (CYFS) Fire Chief Rocco Volpe.
The Fire Chiefs of York Region are working together to monitor the situation and the ban will be in effect until conditions improve.
Burning of any kind is not permitted within Aurora and Newmarket while the fire ban is active. This ban has been issued for the protection of property, public safety and the safety of the firefighters that would have to respond to an incident.
Residents may still use a barbeque or other approved cooking appliances with caution.
CYFS asks residents to exercise extreme caution during a fire ban:
- be careful with anything that could start a fire (including citronella candles on the deck)
- watch your propane or gas equipment carefull
- make sure all matches or cigarettes are out before disposing of them (do not flick butts out the window while driving)
On behalf of Central York Fire Services and fire departments across the region – thank you for doing your part to keep fires from spreading.
CYFS will extinguish any recreational fires they are called to; however, a fine of $595.50 may be issued for repeat offenders to cover the cost of responding to the incident.
Further details about the outdoor burning by-law in Newmarket and Aurora are available at
cyfs.ca
