Municipalities issue total fire bans
Several Niagara's municipalities have issued fire bans.
Open air burning bans have been enacted in West Lincoln, Niagara Falls, Wainfleet, Thorold, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Welland, Pelham, Lincoln, Port Colborne, Fort Erie and St. Catharines effective immediately, as the region continues to experience poor air quality brought on by wildfires.
According to Environment Canada, poor air quality is expected to persist into the weekend, and the region remains under a special air quality statement.
The orders prohibit all open-air burning, including cooking fires, fireworks and any other type of outdoor burning.
Acting West Lincoln Fire Chief Tim Hofsink says all burn permits in the town have been suspended until further notice.
In St. Catharines, agricultural burn permits have also been banned for the time being.
Individuals who don't comply with the bans could face a significant fine.
"The open-air burning ban is in place to ensure the safety of all residents," said St. Catharines Fire Chief Dave Upper. "There will be zero-tolerance and no warnings. The last thing we want to see here in St. Catharines are out-of-control fires like the ones currently burning in Quebec and parts of Ontario."
In St. Catharines, barbecues are still allowed, but residents are urged to keep a close eye on barbecues.
In Pelham, Fire Chief Bob Lymburner has made an exception for cooking fires within approved campgrounds.
In Niagara, the air quality index is currently at a level 7, which is considered high risk.
It's expected to reach level 9 tomorrow.
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