The current local fire hazard rating is high due to the hot and dry conditions. Central York Fire Services (CYFS) asks residents of Newmarket and Aurora to use extra caution when using fire outdoors, including outdoor firepits, open air burning or wood fired BBQs.
Follow the fire safety checklist to do your part to keep flames under control:
- Outdoor fires can only be burned during the permitted hours – no fires between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m.
- Never leave a fire of any kind unattended
- Fires must be kept small – no more than 0.75 metres (30 inches) in diameter and no more than 1 metre (40 inches) in height, including the flame height
- Keep a garden hose close
- Fire must be in a container, apparatus or physical construct that is capable of controlling the spread of the fire
- Burn or use only clean, safe fuel (see the items you cannot burn here)
- Be aware to changing wind and have a method to extinguish a fire close at hand
- Fire must be at least 4 metres (13 feet) from your home, lot line, trees, fences, vehicles, overhead wires or any other combustible material
The fire rating may change and a ban could be placed in effect if conditions worsen. The rating is set by the Fire Chief in coordination with fellow York Region Fire Departments.
For more information about outdoor burning, including the by-law and items you cannot burn, visit cyfs.ca/outdoor-burning
