Even with the rain, Madawaska Valley Fire Department says that the total fire ban will remain in place.
Fire Chief Corwin Quade says that the rain received over the past week is no where near enough to lift the fire ban. He says that when the ban was lowered last time, MVFD responded to 13 calls for brush burning, oversized fire pits and wild fires. He said all of this occurred during the first 7 days of the ban being lowered. He adds that while 95% of people listen and are careful, some of those who have been repeat offenders have received higher bills. The MVFD monitors for conditions daily, and the past few weeks have seen 5 larger wild fired across Renfrew County. Quade says he does not wish for that to happen to Madawaska Valley Township.
A total fire ban means no campfires or fireworks will be allowed, as well as any kind of daytime burning. Campfires are defined as any fire that is 2 feet by 2 feet, and anything larger needs a permit. Permits will not be issued at this time. Fines for lighting fires without a permit can cost $615, along with cost recovery for the fire trucks at $477 dollars an hour per truck. The department says two trucks are sent to any call, and the fine is cost recovery. They also say each firefighter is $30 an hour for the minimum of 2 hours. The department says causing wildfires can result in fines exceeding four thousand dollars. Propane appliances, like fire bowls and fire pits, are still allowed.