Open Air Burning Ban Lifted

Media Release -  

Effective immediately, the Chief Fire Official for the Town of Hanover has lifted the fire ban on open air burning within the Town of Hanover. The ban on fireworks remains in effect. 

The burn ban was put in place on April 3, 2020 in an effort to avoid additional strain on Hanover’s first response emergency services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fire department has since put new control measures in place to help ensure the safety of the firefighters and residents. 

Residents are reminded that all open air burning in the Town of Hanover requires a burn permit. Permits can be obtained by completing the application at https://hanover.burnpermits.com and paying the required fee. The application also includes all required regulations for open air burning.  Alternatively, completed application forms can be submitted along with payment by mail or through the municipal drop box. Download  Application Form here.

 The Hanover Fire Department reminds residents of the following open-air burning safety precautions:

• Remove all vegetation and other material that could spread the fire prior to burning;
• Never leave a fire unattended;
• Keep your fire on a non-combustible surface and away from structures;
• Have an adequate supply of water available to extinguish or control the fire;
• Pay attention to wind conditions, smoke, and potential spark hazards; and
• Be cautions when disposing of smoking materials.

The Hanover Fire Department is also reminding residents that obtaining authorization to have an open-air fire does not mean that property owners are relieved of their obligation to comply with the Environmental Protection Act of Ontario. While burning, it is your obligation to ensure that smoke does not interfere with the ability of your neighbours to enjoy their properties or conduct their business without disruption. Watch where your smoke travels and do not burn when there are smog alerts, foggy conditions or wind that will carry your smoke in a direction that will disrupt adjacent roadways or properties.

The Town of Hanover reminds residents wishing to have an open-air fire to follow all of the existing health precautions in place to slow the spread of COVID-19. This includes physical distancing and limiting gatherings to no more than 5 people - unless there are more than that within the household.

More information can be found at ontario.ca/coronavirus or publichealthgreybruce.on.ca for information from the Grey Bruce Health Unit.

Updates on Town of Hanover operations can be found at hanover.ca or by following #InThisTogetherHanover

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Media Contact

Jeff Dentinger, Fire Chief
CEMC/CFPO/ Health and Safety Coordinator
Town of Hanover                                                                   
519.364.2780 x 1239                                                 
firechief@hanover.ca