You will be able to have a campfire in Collingwood this weekend, but it’s a good idea to have plenty of water nearby.
While there are several fire bans in place in surrounding municipalities such as Tiny, Midland, Tay, Springwater, Muskoka and Beausoliel First Nations, there is no fire ban currently in Collingwood.
The fire risk rating is at high right now, but those in Collingwood with an open-air burning permit may still have a fire.
Fire Chief Ross Parr said having water nearby is a must when the ground and vegetation are so dry due to the hot weather and lack of rain.
“I think there was only one time since I have been here, that we put a full fire ban in place,” said Parr, who has been working for the town for 10 years. “This was because all our surrounding municipalities did also.”
Collingwood requires anyone having a fire outdoors to obtain a permit from town hall. The permit requires a fire be contained by an outdoor fireplace or a pit and have proper clearance from buildings, trees and other fuel sources or combustible materials. Campfires in Collingwood must be put out by midnight and must always be attended.
For more on the town’s burning permit bylaw, click here. For up-to-date information on the fire danger rating for the town of Collingwood, click here.
