Ottawa Fire Services will maintain an “open burn ban” in the capital until further notice despite expected heavy rains beginning Wednesday evening.
“This decision was not made lightly,” Ottawa Fire Services said on social media.
Environment Canada issued a “yellow alert” Wednesday calling for a possible 30-50 mm of rain in the capital region.
“Since Friday, we have has responded to 24 brush fires and 21 burn complaints. Many of these started as controlled burns that quickly got out of control,” OFS explained.
“With wind gusts reaching up to 70 mph and extremely dry conditions due to a lack of precipitation, these fires are spreading fast and unpredictably.”
The notice explained that “brush fires are not quick calls.”
“They are long, labour-intensive incidents that demand a significant number of resources and keep crews tied up for extended periods of time.
“This burn ban is about safety. It is about protecting our community, our homes, and our firefighters.”
Environment Canada has issued a “yellow” warning for the capital region, with heavy rain expected Wednesday afternoon and continuing until Thursday.
The forecast calls for five mm of rain Wednesday with a another 30-40 mm of rain possible overnight and into Thursday.
