Chatham-Kent fire officials are encouraging residents to brush up on open burn by-laws after an increase in brush fires were reported this month.
Fire crews were called 15 times over this past weekend and attended 40 brush fires since the beginning of March.
Although burn permits are currently active, CK Fire and Emergency Services is asking residents to be careful and never leave an open burn unattended, whether it's related to agriculture or recreational purposes.
“We have seen a significant increase in calls over the past week due to the dry weather. Our crews have dealt with some large and at times fast moving fires to protect their community,” said Fire Chief Chris Case. “We are asking for the public’s help to keep this risk at a minimum and be vigilant as to how easy a fire can start in these conditions and how fast it can travel.”
Fire officials are also asking residents to properly dispose of lit cigarettes by not throwing them off of balconies or out of vehicles.
For more information in regards to the open air burning fires by-law, contact the Municipality of Chatham-Kent at 519-360-1998.