The Madawaska Valley Fire Department has implemented a fire ban in the region.
This means that no daytime burning of any kind will be allowed. Permits will not be issued at this time. Fines for lighting fires without a permit can cost 615 dollars, along with cost recovery for the fire trucks at almost 500 dollars an hour per truck. The department says causing wildfires can result in fines exceeding four thousand dollars.
The COVID-19 epidemic has been cited as the reason for the ban early in the year, with the department saying it could put firefighters at risk. Madawaska Valley joins other townships like Brudenell-Lyndoch-Raglan Township, Killaloe-Hagarty-Richard’s Township, Hastings Highlands and Bonnechere Valley in implementing bans due to the coronavirus. The department urges residents in other townships to check with their local fire departments for burn ban ratings.
The burn ban came into affect April 1st and will run until October 31st.