An open-air fire ban has been put into effect for Bruce County beginning June 1.
On Wednesday, fire chiefs across the county collectively agreed to put the ban in place for all open burning, with the exception of campfires for cooking and warmth.
"We are looking to mitigate the risk of forest fire and would like to like to thank our residents and visitors for adhering to this ban," said Northern Bruce Peninsula Fire Chief Fire Chief Jack Burt.
The Fire Danger Rating in Bruce County is currently listed as 'Extreme.' Fire danger levels are determined by taking into account the current and antecedent weather, fuel types and both live and deal fuel moisture. The rating is also based on several factors that could increase the threat of an open fire such as ease of ignition, wind speeds, precipitation levels and difficulty of control.
"All open-air burning permits, agricultural burn permits, and fireworks permits are suspended," a statement from the Bruce County fire chiefs read. "Although campfires are permitted for cooking and warmth only, all campfires must be supervised at all times and extinguished immediately upon completion of cooking and/or providing warmth."
The ban will remain in effect until it is declared safe to lift by the fire departments.