Warm weather leads to Kawartha Lakes burn ban

DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: As of Wednesday, July 8th, the City of Kawartha Lakes has put a municipal burn ban in effect. The ban is in response to the recent warm and dry weather conditions. “This is another proactive measure to help keep our community safe. Extreme heat temperatures combined with dry vegetation can be the perfect combination to start a fire. The ban will be in effect until further notice and includes a complete ban on fireworks, campfires, bonfires, and burn barrels. Please dispose of your cigarette butts responsibly and not on the side of the road,” Mayor Andy Letham explained, in a recent ‘message from the mayor’ YouTube video. Kawartha Lakes fire chief Mark Pankhurst also stressed the importance of smokers being mindful where they leave their cigarettes. “It can sometimes take upwards of 10 to 15 minutes before a cigarette fire becomes noticeable in dry vegetation, but once the fire is ignited, it can be mere seconds before the grass or even a field is covered in flames,” he said, in a statement. The minimum fine for not complying to a burn ban is $485. Complaints about active burns can be made by calling 705-324-2191.