HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON – Over the last week, Haldimand County firefighters have responded to numerous fires resulting from the burning of grass and brush in roadside ditches. As the spring season unfolds and agricultural activities intensify, the Haldimand County Fire Department is highlighting the critical issue of fire spread dangers associated with burning ditches. While historically used for land clearing and waste disposal, this practice poses significant risks to communities, ecosystems, and property.

Burning ditches can quickly escalate into uncontrolled fires, especially under unfavourable weather conditions such as dry spells or high winds. Once ignited, flames can rapidly spread to surrounding vegetation, crops, and structures, endangering lives and property.

The indiscriminate burning of ditches poses direct threats to nearby communities, particularly those situated in rural or semi-urban areas. Embers carried by wind can travel significant distances, igniting fires in residential areas and causing property damage or destruction. Smoke from burning ditches can envelop neighbourhoods, posing respiratory hazards and reducing air quality, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

The Haldimand County Fire Department urges property owners to prioritize fire safety and adopt alternative land management practices to mitigate fire risks associated with burning ditches. The burning of brush or grass within ditches is not permitted within Haldimand County. In the event of a fire response resulting from the intentional burning of grass or brush, the property owner is subject to fines and/or cost recovery fees under the Open Air Burning Bylaw.

For more information, please visit HaldimandCounty.ca or contact the Fire Department at 905-318-5932 ext. 6230, or email emergencyservices@haldimandcounty.on.ca

HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON – Haldimand County Emergency Services are reminding the public that there are rules and permits for open air burning. This is both for your safety and the safety of our community. If you are planning any burning activities on your property, it is crucial to approach them with care and diligence. Here is a concise rundown to ensure safe and lawful burning..

Secure a Permit: Prior to igniting any fires, ensure you have the necessary permit. These permits serve as a regulatory measure to monitor burning activities and uphold safety standards. To obtain a permit, please visit the Haldimand County website or attend in person at the Haldimand County Administrative Building, located at 53 Thorburn St South, Cayuga.

Large Burn Piles: For those conducting a “non-recreational” burn, exercise heightened caution. These types of burns can swiftly escalate if not managed effectively. The approved size of a “non-recreational” burn is a maximum of 6m x 6m. Separating large piles into smaller, more manageable piles, and burning one at a time is best practice. Ensure adequate clearance of anything combustible around the burn area. In addition, monitor winds and weather conditions, and have appropriate fire suppression equipment readily available. Never leave the burn unattended.

Property Owners Responsibility: In the event that a fire spirals out of control or a complaint is made which requires the fire department to respond, property owners may be held financially accountable for all associated costs. Once the burn is extinguished, by whatever means, the property owner must ensure the burn area has been returned to its natural, clean condition. Adhering to safe burning practices not only mitigates risks, but also averts potential financial liabilities.

Community Responsibility: Let’s not overlook the collective responsibility we share as members of a community. Practicing safe burning is not just about safeguarding individual properties; it is about fostering a culture of collective safety and responsibility within our community.

To learn more about the Haldimand County Open Air Fire Bylaw, please visit: https://www.haldimandcounty.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Open-Air-Fire-Burning-By-law-1662-16.pdf

HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON – On October 12^th, 2023 Haldimand County Emergency Services partnered with Genesee & Wyoming Inc. to conduct a full-scale tactical exercise involving the railway. Fire, Paramedics, Ontario Provincial Police, Genesee & Wyoming Inc., and Woodstock Police joined together to learn, train, and practice a simulated event.

This year’s Emergency Management exercise was in the Jarvis area and simulated a truck versus train collision, in which one train car was leaking and another was on fire. The purpose of the yearly exercise is ensure compliance with policies and procedures, test inter-agency communication, as well as ensure both first responder and public safety.

We are pleased to advise that this year’s exercise was a great success. Please see the attached photos.

HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON – Join us from November 1-7 in celebrating CO Awareness Week! Haldimand County’s Emergency Services members will be spreading awareness regarding Carbon Monoxide safety, and our fire fighters will be our boots on the ground handing out information to local residents. Don’t be shy and say hi! This will be prime time to ask questions, get advice, and meet your friendly neighbourhood fire fighters!

The Fire Department has a limited supply of Carbon Monoxide alarms that will be distributed to local residents in need, free of charge. To receive an alarm, please contact the Fire Department at (905) 318-5932 ext. 6230 or email emergencyservices@haldimandcounty.on.ca. Complimentary CO alarms are available on a first come, first served basis.

Carbon Monoxide is known as the “Silent Killer”. It is colourless, odourless, and tasteless. It can be present in any home with a fuel fired appliance. As it is undetectable by human senses, the only way to ensure the safety of you and your family is to have working CO alarms! You can also have all fuel fired appliances inspected regularly by a certified technician and, of course, DO NOT leave vehicles or generators running indoors.

• Ontario law requires that a working carbon monoxide alarm be installed adjacent to each sleeping area in homes that have a fuel-burning (i.e. wood, oil, natural gas, propane) appliance, fireplace or an attached garage.
• In a condo or apartment building with a service room, carbon monoxide alarms must be installed in the service room and adjacent to each sleeping area of all condo/apartment units above, below and beside the service room.
• In a condo or apartment building with a garage, carbon monoxide alarms must be installed adjacent to each sleeping area of all condo/apartment units above, below and beside the garage.
• Carbon monoxide alarms in rental units must be tested by the landlord annually and after every change in tenancy.
• In Ontario, more than 65 per cent of injuries and deaths from carbon monoxide occur in the home.
• A Canadian certification mark ensures that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms meet the appropriate Canadian standard; only alarms with the Canadian certification mark should be purchased and installed.

Fire Prevention Week runs from October 8-14 this year, and Haldimand County Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to promote this year’s theme, “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention^TM.”

This year’s theme and awareness campaign works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take when cooking to mitigate the risk of kitchen fires.

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in Canada. “Year after year, cooking remains the leading cause of home fires,” said Fire Chief Jason Gallagher. “This tells us that there is still much work to do when it comes to educating the public about ways to stay safe when cooking.”

Haldimand County Fire Department offers these key safety tips to help reduce the risk of a cooking fire.

1. Ensure your home has functioning smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that are installed to the manufacturer’s specifications.
2. Watch what you heat. Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking, and never leave anything unattended. Set a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
3. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
4. Have a “kid- and pet-free zone” of at least 1m around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
5. When it comes to cooking with oil, shortening, or other fats, it’s crucial to be extra vigilant. One small mistake, such as overheating the oil or leaving a pot unattended, can quickly escalate into a dangerous kitchen fire. To prevent these kinds of fires, it’s important to keep pots and pans securely lidded to avoid splashing oil and never to leave cooking equipment unattended.
6. If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.
7. Homeowners should be mindful of how they store their kitchen tools and utensils. Make sure that flammable materials, such as paper towels or dish towels, are stored away from the stovetop, and that utensils and tools are kept in a safe and secure location.

To find out more about fire prevention programs and activities in Haldimand, please contact the Haldimand County Fire Department at (905) 318-5932 ext. 6230 . For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking safety, visit www.fpw.org. For fire safety fun for kids, visit sparky.org.