Greater Napanee Emergency Services crews have responded to three grass fires over the past five days:
- March 17 – Emergency Services crews from Station 1 (Napanee) and Station 2 (Roblin) responded to a large, unattended grass fire on County Road 2 near Deseronto, where they managed to stop the fire from destroying several outbuildings, a barn, and the main residence. Over $800,000.00 in property value was spared;
- March 20 – Emergency Services crews from Station 1 (Napanee) and Station 2 (Roblin) responded to a reported grass fire on County Road 12 that became out of control due to windy conditions. Approximately $500,000.00 in property value was saved;
- March 21 – Emergency Services crews responded to a reported wildfire on Pinegrove Road that was being monitored by the landowner but became uncontainable due to weather conditions. The swift emergency actions performed by neighbours and Emergency Services crews saved the primary residence on the property and $600,000.00 of the property’s value.
Overall, $1,900,000.00 in insured property was saved by fast responding Emergency Services crews.
Greater Napanee Emergency Services would like to remind residents that a burn permit must be obtained for all fires within Greater Napanee. Burn permits are available online through the Town’s website, www.greaternapanee.com, for $15.00 and are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Never leave a fire unattended, only burn during favourable weather conditions and always follow the instructions on the burn permit.
Due to dry conditions, fires can start and spread quickly and burn intensely. Effective Thursday, April 1, 2021, Greater Napanee Emergency Services is declaring a Total Burn Ban for Greater Napanee.
A Total Burn Ban prohibits lighting any fires in open air and prohibits any activities that may start a fire, i.e. setting off fireworks. All fires are potentially dangerous.
Greater Napanee Emergency Services strongly advises residents to check with the Emergency Services Department to ensure the Total Burn Ban has been lifted before considering an open-air fire. Any resident not adhering to the Total Burn Ban could face fines up to $200.00 plus liability for the cost of Emergency Services to extinguish an out of control fire.
This Total Burn Ban will be in effect beginning April 1, 2021 until further notice.
For more information on the Total Burn Ban, please contact the Greater Napanee Emergency Services Department at 613-354-4289.