Burn Ban Status and Fire Danger

Please see By-law #53-19 Open Air Burn By-Law in our list of Frequently Requested By-laws.

Reminder: It is illegal to burn anything outdoors when the Township is under a Burn Ban. 

Fire Information
Ward 1
(613) 336-1581
Wards 2 and 3
(613) 479-0399
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Forest Fires webpage - Government of Ontario

Fire Information Officer - (289) 733-1327
Fire Index
What is the Fire Index?
The Fire Weather Index (FWI) is an internationally used method for determining the risk of fires in open air using a numeric rating of fire intensity.
What are the levels of the Fire Index?
Low (Blue)
Fire Index LowFires may start easily and spread quickly but there will be minimal involvement of deeper fuel layers or larger fuels.
Moderate (Green)
Fire Index ModerateForest fuels are drying and there is an increased risk of surface fires starting. Carry out any forest activities with caution.
High (Yellow)
Fire Index HighForest fuels are very dry and the fire risk is elevated. New fires may start easily, burn vigorously, and challenge fire suppression efforts. Caution must be used in any forest activities. 
Extreme (Red)
Fire Index ExtremeExtremely dry forest fuels and the fire risk is very serious. New fires will start easily, spread rapidly, and challenge fire suppression efforts. Forest activities may be restricted, including open burning, industrial activities and campfires. Use diligent care.
How is the Fire Index determined?
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) collects data from weather stations throughout the province:

  • Actual or estimated temperature
  • Relative Humidity
  • Wind direction
  • Wind speed
  • Adjusted wind speed
  • Precipitation received
  • Fine Fuel Moisture Content (FFMC) - The moisture content of litter and other cured fine fuels.
  • Duff Moisture Content (DMC) - The average moisture content of loosely compacted organic layers of moderate depth.
  • Drought Code (DC) - The average moisture content of deep, compact organic layers.
  • Initial Spread Index (ISI) - The rating of the expected rate of fire spread based on wind speed and FFMC.
  • Buildup Index (BUI) - The rating of the total amount of fuel available for combustion based on the DMC and DC.

For each weather station, the collected data is consolidated into a weighted total which corresponds to a specific class of the Fire Weather Index. Municipalities use the Fire Weather Index class from their closest weather station (ours is located in Plevna, ON).
Burn Bans
What are the types of Burn Bans that can apply to North Frontenac?
Burning can be restricted by a Municipal Burn Ban, a Restricted Fire Zone (Provincial Burn Ban) or both.
Municipal Burn Bans
What is a Municipal Burn Ban?
A ban on open air burning and fires authorized under a municipal by-law.
Who determines if a Municipal Burn Ban is implemented or rescinded?
The Chief Fire Official of the municipality. 
What factors determine whether a Municipal Burn Ban is implemented?
The decision to implement a Burn Ban is based on the same data as the Fire Weather Index, the weather forecast, available resources, historical values and professional experience.
Are all burning activities and fires illegal under a Municipal Burn Ban?
Most types of burning activities including campfires are illegal under a Municipal Burn Ban.

Please consult By-law #53-19 Open Air Burn By-Law for the limited types of burning permitted during a Municipal Burn Ban.
How do I report someone not adhering to a Municipal Burn Ban?
If you observe someone not adhering to a Municipal Burn Ban, please call 911 and report the fire.
What are the potential penalties for not adhering to a Municipal Burn Ban?

Failure to comply with a Municipal Burn Ban could result in:

  • a fine according to the Schedule of Fines;
  • financial responsibility for all expenses incurred for the purpose of investigating, controlling and extinguishing the fire set or left to burn. 

How can I get more information about a Municipal Burn Ban?

Please call the Township Office at 613-479-2231 or by emailing info@northfrontenac.ca.
Restricted Fire Zones (Provincial Burn Bans)
What is a Restricted Fire Zone?
A Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) is an order made by the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, under the Forest Fires Prevention Act restricting the use of open fires in a specific area of the province. It is a temporary measure put in place to prevent human-caused fires when the fire hazard is extreme or when firefighting resources are limited.
Who determines if a Restricted Fire Zone is implemented or rescinded?
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
What factors determine if a Restricted Fire Zone is implemented?
The decision to implement a Restricted Fire Zone is based on the regional fire conditions, weather forecast,  and available resources.
How can I tell which areas of Ontario a Restricted Fire Zone applies to?
By going to the MNRF's interactive map:

https://www.lioapplications.lrc.gov.on.ca/ForestFireInformationMap/index.html?viewer=FFIM.FFIM&locale=en-CA
Are all burning activities and fires illegal in a Restricted Fire Zone?
Most types of burning activities including are illegal under a Restricted Fire Zone.

Commercial campground operators may allow their guests to continue enjoying campfires during a Restricted Fire Zone period provided certain conditions are met.

Please consult Outdoor Fire Restrictions - Government of Ontario and Forest Fires Prevention Act for the limited types of burning permitted during a Restricted Fire Zone (Provincial Burn Ban).
What if I need heat for cooking and/or warmth?
You may use a portable gas or propane stove outdoors. Portable charcoal equipment (e.g., BBQs, Hibachis etc.) are illegal for use during a Restricted Fire zone except close to a dwelling that you legally own or occupy or in an organized campground.
How do I report someone not adhering to a Restricted Fire Zone?
If you observe someone not adhering to a Restricted Fire Zone (Provincial Burn Ban), please call 1-877-847-7667.
What are the potential penalties for not adhering to a Restricted Fire Zone?

Failure to comply with a Restricted Fire Zone (Provincial Fire Ban) could result in:

  • a fine up to $25,000
  • three months in jail
  • financial responsibility for any costs incurred in fighting a forest fire

How can I get more information about a Restricted Fire Zone?

Please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/outdoor-fire-restrictions or call 1-800-667-1940.
What happens if the Municipal Burn Ban is lifted but a Restricted Fire Zone remains in place?
Most types of burning activities including campfires (except in campgrounds under specific circumstances) are illegal under a Restricted Fire Zone.

Please consult Outdoor Fire Restrictions - Government of Ontario and Forest Fires Prevention Act for the limited types of burning permitted during a Restricted Fire Zone (Provincial Burn Ban).
Why would a Municipal Burn Ban be lifted but a Restricted Fire Zone remain in place?
Municipal Burn Bans are implemented and rescinded based on local factors (conditions, resources etc.). Restricted Fire Zones take into account a much larger geographical area and scope.

The current burn ban status is:

Fire Ban Indicators

Fire Index

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