Selwyn Township Issues Total Burn Ban Due to Wildfire Smoke
/By Scott Arnold
Selwyn Township has issued a total burn ban effective immediately as smoke from Northern Ontario wildfires continues to create hazardous air quality conditions in the community.
Effective immediately, the Selwyn Township Fire Department has issued a Total Burn Ban until further notice due to hazardous air quality cause by smoke from the wildfires in Northern Ontario.
The decision comes two days after the Township urged residents to postpone non-essential outdoor burning during extreme heat conditions. With the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) reaching 10, considered a very high risk level, the Selwyn Township Fire Department has prohibited all burning to help protect public health, reduce additional smoke in the community and minimize the risk of fire.
All existing burn permits are now void, and all open-air burning is prohibited, including:
Yard waste and brush burning
Campfires and bonfires
Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and chimineas
Agricultural burns
Fireworks
The Township is also reminding residents to take precautions while wildfire smoke continues to affect air quality.
Residents are encouraged to:
Keep themselves, family members and pets indoors as much as possible, with windows and doors closed
Limit time outdoors and reschedule or cancel outdoor sports, activities and events
Check on family members, friends and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to poor air quality
