Fire officials in Chatham-Kent have issued a warning to local residents following a significant increase in the number of brush fires.
After being called to several of these fires over the last few days, Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue is strongly urging the community to use extreme caution while conducting an open burn. Local residents are also reminded to never leave fires unattended.
“After quite a long period of warm weather, without rain the ground and brush is very dry, making it much easier for a fire to start and quickly spread,” said Fire Chief Chris Case in a news release.
Case said the fire department has not yet proposed a burn ban, but fire officials are constantly monitoring the situation.
“A burn ban would be our last resort and hope that we can work together to keep everyone safe,” he said.
Community members are also being asked not to dispose of lit cigarette butts off balconies or out car windows, and always extinguish fires entirely before walking away.
For more information about conducting an open burn in a safe manner that complies with municipal bylaws, click here.
