* PRESS RELEASE – Monday, August 11, 2025*
NORTHERN WELLINGTON COUNTY – Fire Departments are declaring a partial burn ban in the municipalities of Minto, Mapleton, and Wellington North. Due to the extreme dry conditions there will be no burning, other than recreational cooking and campfires, until the ban is lifted. This ban will remain in place until further notice or conditions improve.
Certain periods in the year create conditions that make even controlled burning dangerous, and this risk can quickly lead to fast and uncontrolled spread of fire. There are a number of conditions that warrant restrictions throughout the year. These circumstances include, but are not limited to high winds, prolonged dry spells, early spring surface conditions, cut fields or conditions that do not allow our firefighting equipment to access remote or rural locations.
The fires prohibited during a partial fire ban applies to agricultural burns, brush pile burns, and any other burning unrelated to recreational cooking or camp fires. Fines are in place to enforce the ban when required.
The details for each municipality are as follows:
Mapleton – Open air burn permits will no longer be issued, and all current burn permits are no longer valid. Recreational camp and cooking fires are permitted.
Minto – Open air burn permits will no longer be issued, and all current burn permits are no longer valid. Recreational camp and cooking fires are permitted.
Wellington North – Open air burn permits will no longer be issued, and all current burn permits are no longer valid. Recreational camp and cooking fires are permitted.
Residents are encouraged to take every precaution to prevent brush & grass fires including:
• Clearing all combustible materials such as tree limbs, leaves and other dry materials away from buildings and
propane tanks.
• Keep barbecue propane tanks at least three metres from buildings.
• Wood piles should be stored at a safe distance from your home.
• Trees should be pruned to create a good vertical separation from the ground.
• Clearing out any accumulated dry or dead debris from your property.
• Dispose of cigarettes safely. Carelessly discarded cigarettes continue to be a major cause of grass fires during
these dry periods. Smokers are reminded to please use care when butting out. Do not throw lit cigarettes out
vehicle windows
