Starting tomorrow, Madawaska Valley will enter a total fire ban.
Starting July 9th at 12:01 AM, no campfires or fireworks will be allowed due to dry conditions. Fire Chief Corwin Quade says that due to the extreme heat and lack of rain, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has designated the entire area at Extreme Risk. Quade says that the fire ban will be in place for a couple weeks as the dry weather continues. He says that as a result, no open flames will be allowed at this time.
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.