Careful if you are doing any burning as dry spell raises risk of grass fires

March has been abnormally dry with little in the way of snow or rain and the impact is starting to be felt with grass fires popping up across the region.

The sunny and mild stretch has been welcomed by many, but there is a risk if the public doesn’t adhere to the rules around outdoor burning. The fire rating in several municipalities is listed as high.

Grass fire season has arrived. Adjala-Tosorontio has raised the fire rating to high. If you are planing on having a fire please ensure you have a burn permit and use caution. pic.twitter.com/kvpS90N01K

— Adj/Tos Fire (@adj_tos) March 21, 2021

Looks can be deceiving. As Clearview Fire Chief Roree Payment tweeted, it’s what’s on top that’s a concern.

Asking residents to burn with extreme caution due to very dry conditions and heavy fuel loads. The ground may be wet but the ground cover is not. Large burns will not be issued until things green up. Fire danger rating high

— Roree Payment (@CFES_FireChief) March 20, 2021

Innisfil Fire Service is asking residents to skip spring burning until the grass is greener and to enjoy other activities instead. Crews responded to at least two grass fires on Saturday.

⁦@Innisfil_FIRE⁩ is on scene of our second grass for today. Fine fuels are very dry so fire spreads quickly. A burn permit is required for all open air burning in town but better to postpone lighting the fires until the grass starts to green up. Enjoy other activities today pic.twitter.com/dX4TXOhgzC

— Innisfil Fire (@Innisfil_FIRE) March 20, 2021

Springwater firefighters also dealt with a grass fire on Saturday.

Crews on scene of a small grass fire on Mayer Rd, fire is now under control, crews overhauling the area. No injuries pic.twitter.com/8Ld1rPrN8B

— Springwater Fire (@SpringwaterFIRE) March 20, 2021