Full Fire Ban in effect across Peterborough County

Peterborough County has issued a total fire ban across all townships due to extremely dry conditions and high wildfire risk.

Residents and visitors are reminded that the Township of North Kawartha has had a total fire and firework ban in effect since August 5, 2025, and it remains in place.

All forms of open-air burning are strictly prohibited / not allowed during a total fire and firework ban, including:

• Campfires
• Brush burning
• Fireworks
• Cooking fires, wood or charcoal
• Charcoal BBQs
• Smokers, wood or charcoal

Only propane or naphtha gas cooking equipment with shut-off mechanisms and electric cooking equipment are permitted.

Peterborough County recommends the following safety measures during a total fire ban:

Don’t flick it – prevent a wildfire

• Never throw cigarette butts from a vehicle or onto the ground.
• A single cigarette butt tossed from a car can spark a dangerous blaze.

Protect your property and equipment

• Clear dry leaves, pine needles, and other debris from around your home and under decks.
• Maintain a fire-safe zone of at least 1.5 metres around buildings.
• Store firewood and propane tanks away from your home or other structures.
• Avoid operating ATVs, dirt bikes, or other equipment in dry grass. Ensure spark arrestors are in place on all off-road vehicles and tools.

Report fires immediately

• If you see smoke, fire, or prohibited fire ban activities, call 9-1-1 right away. Early reporting saves property and lives.
• Only trained fire personnel should attempt to extinguish wildfires; your safety is the priority.

For further information and safety reminders, please visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/forest-fires-safety-information

For more information on North Kawartha’s total fire and firework ban, please visit: https://www.northkawartha.ca/news/posts/total-fire-and-firework-ban-in-effect-for-the-township-of-north-kawartha/