With the hot temperatures on the horizon, the Madawaska Valley is now under a total fire ban once again.
The Madawaska Valley Fire Department says this means, effective 12 AM May 26, no campfires or fireworks will be allowed, as well as any kind of daytime burning. 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 Department says that the hot dry weather with the lack of rain was the reason for the ban. They say that as of today, there are 20 reported forest fires active in the province.
A full fire ban was in place earlier this month due to COVID-19, but was lifted around the May long weekend