MANITOUWADGE—The Manitouwadge Fire Department (MFD) wants to help the community stay safe when heading out to camp and enjoying those evening camp-site fires.
The first thing MFS reminds residents about, is the open-air burning restrictions and local burning regulations.
The Municipality of Manitouwadge has already placed a notice regarding their local bylaw and provincial law that applies to open-air burning.
Both the municipality and MFD, want to remind residents that:
No day time burning between 9am-6pm (except for cooking or warmth) which applies in town and in the bush. This is provincial law.
The Forest Fire Prevention Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. F.24. Ontario law mitigates the dangers of forest fires through the Forest Fire Prevention Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. F.24 (“FFPA”), which is administered by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (“MNRF”). In addition to setting out rules on where and when people can start fires, the FFPA grants broad enforcement powers to conservation officers, police officers, and fire wardens in preventing, containing and controlling forest fires.
The MFD wants everyone to know that, "Every property will require a burning permit. They are free and can be printed from home. Once filled out, bring it in the Municipal office for signature from the Fire Chief. We will make a copy. Filled out forms can be brought in by person from Monday – Thursday 1pm – 4pm , Or they can be emailed to fireadmin@manitouwadge.ca or dropped off in the drop off box at the township. If you drop off you will be required to pick up once signed."
As an update to the above information, MFD is also offering the following camp fire tips:
- Keep up-to-date on fire bans in the area.
- Never build a campfire on a windy day. Sparks or embers from the fire could travel quite a distance setting an unintentional fire.
- Watch the wind direction to ensure sparks aren't getting on flammable materials.
- Put the fire out if wind changes begin to cause concern.
- Check with local authorities on open-air burning restrictions and follow local burning regulations.
Those wishing more information and further clarification can visit:http://manitouwadge.ca/.../fire.../burning%20permit.pdf