With conditions extremely dry and no rain in the forecast for days, communities in and surrounding London have put fire bans in place.
Elgin County issued a ban on all open-air and recreational fires Monday, while Middlesex County stated it was prohibiting outdoor burning, but would allow small recreational fires.
"This fire ban is being imposed due to the extreme dryness of vegetation in the area and shall remain in effect until further notice," Elgin said in a statement.
The London region has not seen a significant rainfall in several weeks and a stretch of summer-like temperatures last week further added to the dry conditions. While the temperatures have since returned to seasonal levels, Environment Canada is not calling for rain until the weekend. There is a 30 per cent chance of showers forecast for Friday night and Saturday and a 60 per cent chance possible on Sunday.
The fire ban in Elgin applies to all townships and municipalities within the county, as well as St. Thomas and Aylmer. While the ban is in place all burn permits previously issued have been suspended and no new permits will be issued.
Open air fires include any set outside of a building including bonfires, campfires, burn barrels, and outdoor fireplaces or chimineas.
While the City of London and Middlesex will currently allow small recreational fires, both warn that could change in the near future if the dry spell continues.
London said anyone hosting a recreational fire must follow the rules outlined in the open air by-law, advising residents to review the details of the by-law before starting a fire.
Anyone who finds an open air fire during the ban is asked to immediately report it by calling 911.
The burn ban will remain in effect until further notice for London and both counties.