It’s been two weeks since South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services placed a burn ban on the Municipality of South Dundas and despite recent rain, the restriction is unlikely to be lifted any time soon.
The daily onslaught of extreme temperatures in the mid-30s coupled with the lack of any significant rainfall has led to entire crop losses for some farmers, while homeowners are watching their lawns dry up to the point of extinction.
The South Nation Conservation’s water response team declared a level two (moderate) drought condition July 8, which was renewed in a statement August 5 and residents of South Dundas need only look to area creeks to see water levels steadily decreasing. In fact, SNC has received several reports of wells drying up throughout their jurisdiction.
Crop loss, dry wells – these are substantial issues that arise during extended periods of high temperatures coupled with limited rainfall; however, they are not our central focus for today.
What is? Fire.
While it may seem obvious to most, for some, it remains necessary to issue a reminder that dry grass, weeds, and leaves are flammable and despite the sudden appearance of rain in the forecast, Cameron Morehouse, the new director of South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services due to take up his new post August 22, confirmed it is not enough to rectify the extreme dry conditions.
This means tossing a cigarette butt out the car window could potentially cause a fire. Absently dropping a cigarette butt on dry grass at a park could start a fire. Tossing a cigarette butt into a bush could start a fire. Smokers should ensure they have properly and completely extinguished their cigarette butts before disposing of them.
But what about backyard campfires or outdoor fireplaces? Sparks from seemingly controlled fires can land in nearby dead grass, leaves, or brush and ignite. With fields and forests as dry as they are at the moment, it won’t take much for a fire to spread fast and furiously.
Fire is no respector of people or property.
That one spark is all it takes.
A burn ban is in place to protect residents and their homes: it is there to protect you. Please be mindful of the ban and please, if you’re a smoker, remember to extinguish those cigarettes before you toss them. The cost of a wildfire would be too high.
Fire safety is important. Just ask Sparky the Fire Dog or someone who has lost a home or loved one because of a preventable blaze.
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