The Mississippi Mills Fire Department is restricting all burning in the municipality. Effective immediately, a complete burn ban is in effect.
The burn ban restricts all fires including campfires and the use of burn barrels, or chimeneas as well as the burning of brush piles and yard waste. Cooking devices that are designed to cook food with wood pellets or charcoal, such as smokers or grills, are permitted for use. Any cooking devices, outdoor fireplaces and fuel fired appliances that use propane or natural gas are also exempt from the burn ban.
All burn permits have been placed under restriction and the electronic system will not permit anyone to activate their permit for burning.
The restriction is due to the following:
- Drought conditions have caused extremely dry conditions that will permit the rapid spread of fire
- The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority has determined that current water levels are low which limits fire department access to non-traditional locations to access water
- Severe heat conditions may limit the fire department’s ability to provide services and exposes firefighters to increased health risks including heat stroke and fatigue.
The burn ban will remain in effect until MMFD has determined that the fire risk level is acceptable. Any questions regarding the burn ban or the status of a burn permit may be directed to MMFD by calling (613) 256-1589.
