Almost all municipalities Durham have announced a burn ban even as the region’s Health Department issued an orange level air quality warning.
Many recreation and culture programs were cancelled.
The Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks, in conjunction with Environment and Climate Change Canada, have also issued Air Quality Warnings (AQW).
“Smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario is causing very poor air quality and reduced visibility,” Environment Canada said in an orange warning issued at It said conditions may improve Friday morning.
City of Pickering
Due to prolonged high temperatures and to support the ongoing safety of our community, the city has implemented a burn ban, effective immediately and until further notice.
- All agricultural burn permits are suspended until the ban is lifted.
- Propane and natural gas BBQs are allowed for cooking. They must only be used on non-combustible surfaces and kept safely away from structures and dry vegetation. Pickering Fire Services urges residents to refrain from non-essential outdoor cooking using charcoal or woodfired appliances due to the elevated risk.
- Chimineas, bonfires, and wood-burning appliances remain prohibited in Pickering. Propane or natural gas fire bowls and fire tables should not be used while the burn ban is in effect.
- If you smoke, ensure your cigarette is fully extinguished and properly disposed of in a deep, sturdy ashtray before walking away. Outdoors, fires can quickly escalate, often leading to significant and widespread damage.
This ban is a protective measure to help prevent accidental fires and ensure emergency services remain available for those who need them most, the city said.
Town of Ajax
The town said due to poor air quality conditions, recreation and culture programming was modified for July 15.
- Ajax Memorial Pool was to be closed as of 11:30 am.
- All Playground locations had been cancelled.
- All three Community Centres remained open and available for air respite and cooling during regular operating hours.
Ajax Fire and Emergency Services has implemented a temporary fire ban, effective immediately and until further notice. This is due to ongoing hot, dry weather conditions and the increased risk of fire spread.
- Effective immediately, all outdoor open-air burning is prohibited.
- Existing burn permits are suspended until further notice.
- No new burn permits will be issued while the fire ban is in effect.
- Recreational fires, fire pits, chimineas, and outdoor wood-burning appliances are not permitted.
- Propane and natural gas barbecues and cooking appliances are permitted when used safely and attended at all times.
- Never discard cigarette butts on the ground or from vehicle windows.
- Keep outdoor cooking appliances away from combustible materials and never leave them unattended.
- Anyone who violates the fire ban may be subject to enforcement action, including fines and liability for fire suppression costs.
- Residents should call 9-1-1 immediately if they see smoke or fire.
Town of Whitby
The town said due to air quality warning, all morning playground program locations were closed.
Due to extremely dry conditions and lack of recent rainfall, Whitby Fire and Emergency Services has issued a fire ban effective immediately.
– No open-air burning is permitted.
– No new burn permits will be issued.
– All existing burn permits are temporarily void.
This fire ban will remain in effect until further notice to help protect public safety and reduce the risk of grass and brush fires. Unauthorized open-air burning poses significant safety hazards and may result in fines or other penalties under Town by-laws and the Ontario Fire Code.
The ban does not apply to outdoor appliances that are CSA- or ULC-approved and fueled by propane or natural gas, such as barbecues and outdoor fireplaces, which remain permitted for use. Charcoal barbecues, smokers and other listed appliances are also permitted, provided they are CSA-certified and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
City of Oshawa
Oshawa Fire Services has implemented an immediate fire ban. All open-air burning permits are suspended until further notice, and no new permits will be issued. Those who fail to comply may be subject to fines.
Residents are reminded that open-air burning is only permitted with a valid burn permit. An open-air fire is any outdoor fire, whether in a container or on the ground, excluding barbecues and approved ULC-certified devices.
ULC Approved Devices: ULC/CSA/Warnock Hersey-approved propane or natural gas appliances, including barbecues, fire pits, and fire bowls, are permitted when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and required clearances. Charcoal barbecues are also permitted.
Not Permitted: Campfires, burn barrels, incinerators, construction site fires, fire pits, fire bowls, chimeneas, and outdoor wood-burning fireplaces are not permitted. Residents are reminded that burning solid fuel outdoors, including wood, is prohibited without a valid burn permit.
How you can help:
- Be vigilant when discarding cigarette butts and matches outdoors
- Ensure that matches and lighters are kept away from children and youth
- Remind children and youth of the dangers of playing with and lighting fires
- Be aware of your surroundings when outdoors in open fields and wooded areas
- Report illegal open air burning by calling the Oshawa Fire Services Dispatch non-emergency line at 905-433-1234 or to report an emergency, call 9-1-1.
Oshawa also cancelled the public swim at Camp Samac Outdoor Pool due to air quality and visibility.
Municipality of Clarington
On Wednesday, July 15, Clarington Emergency and Fire Services issued a burn ban for all of Clarington due to poor air quality and reduced visibility from ongoing wildfires in Canada.
The burn ban prohibits all types of burning, including burning on properties with active burn permits and recreational fires.
The ban will remain in effect until further notice.
Clarington also cancelled outdoor programming and Orono Park Pool was closed to protect participants and staff. Clarington Camps remained indoors.
Clarington staff who are required to work outdoors have been provided with personal protective equipment to help reduce exposure to airborne particulate matter associated with wildfire smoke, the municipality said.
Township of Scugog
Due to current weather conditions and an increased risk of fire, the Township of Scugog has implemented a municipal-wide burn ban, effective immediately. The burn ban will remain in effect until conditions improve. Residents will be notified when the ban is lifted.
There is zero tolerance for open-air burning during a burn ban. Under Part 4 – Enforcement and Penalties of the township’s Open-Air Burning By-law 32-18, anyone found burning during the ban may be charged under the Provincial Offences Act and may also be responsible for the costs associated with a Fire Service response.
- Outdoor fire pits, burn barrels, chimineas, and other portable open-air fire devices are intended for recreational burning and are not permitted during a burn ban.
- Outdoor cooking appliances approved for use in Canada that utilize natural gas, propane, charcoal, or electricity are permitted during the burn ban when used for their intended purpose.
- The burn ban applies to all open-air burning within the Township of Scugog.
Township of Brock
Brock Fire Department had implemented a Total Burn Ban effective July 14
Health Risk
“During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status. Limit time outdoors. Reschedule or cancel outdoor sports, activities and events. You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough,” said Environment Canada.
It said if you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance. People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.
What To Do
- When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool.
- Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using the highest quality air filter that your ventilation system can handle and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles.
- If you must spend time outdoors, limit the time as much as possible. A well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke. Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health.
- Check in on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke.
- Always follow guidance from local authorities.
Learn more at canada.ca/wildfire-smoke. For further information visit the website airqualityontario.com or contact the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks at 416-314-6666. Visit airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.
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