The City of Welland, upon the direction of the Fire Chief, has issued a complete ban on all open-air burning in the city due to the prolonged dry weather conditions and to reduce local impacts of smoke plumes due to the ongoing forest fires in Quebec and Northern Ontario.

The ban immediately prohibits all open-air burning, including cooking fires, fireworks, and patio torches.

“Given what is happening around the province and throughout the rest of the country, the ban is in place for the overall safety of everyone,” said Fire Chief Adam Eckhart. “With current conditions, fires can spread quickly – they don’t only occur in densely forested areas.”

The air quality index for Niagara Region is currently sitting at a high-risk level and is expected to increase in the coming days.

The open-air burning ban will remain in place until the risk of fire spreading has been reduced, and the Fire Chief deems it safe to lift.

Barbecues are still permitted under the ban; however, residents are always reminded to stay close to their barbecues and always stay supervised.

Anyone violating the ban is subject to fines up to $50,000, charged under the Ontario Fire Code.