North Frontenac and fire bans

John Kittle | Jun 01, 2016

When MNR declares the Forest Fire Danger index to be extreme, why does North Frontenac not automatically declare a Fire Ban? "Extreme danger" is self-explanatory! No further analysis is required! Declaring a Fire Ban seems like a no-brainer, something any sensible person would do to help protect the public and the Township's firefighters. Recently, during a dry spell, the MNR Forest Fire Danger index was extreme, but there was no Fire Ban declared in North Frontenac. Clearly, there is disagreement on this point among area fire chiefs since Lanark Highlands and Tay Valley Townships did declare Fire Bans during that period. I ask you to challenge your North Frontenac mayor, councillors and fire chief to explain why they do NOT err on the side of caution in these extreme danger situations. We do not want our beautiful area to become the next Ft McMurray!