Fort Erie issues fire ban amid extreme heat and dry conditions

Brent Jones
August 12, 2025 at 1:58 PM

The Town of Fort Erie has issued a ban on all open-air recreational fires effective 4 p.m. Tuesday, citing extreme heat and dry conditions that have led to an elevated risk the wildfires.

The ban, announced August 12 in a Town of Fort Erie news release, prohibits campfires or bonfires, including those on campgrounds, and the burning of brush, leaves and yard waste.

Outdoor wood-burning appliances have also been banned, such as fire pits, chimineas and outdoor fireplaces, as well as fireworks and sky lanterns.

All active burn permits have been temporarily suspended, says the release.

Exceptions will be made for commercially-produced, enclosed cooking appliances such as natural gas, charcoal or propane barbecues or smokers with lids, and propane or natural gas-fuelled fire tables, but all appliances must be used in accordance with manufacturer instructions.

“With this heat and no rain, the fire risk becomes extremely high,” said Fort Erie Fire Chief Mark Schmitt in the release. “We’re taking this step to protect our community, property, and emergency crews during this dangerous time.”

The decision aligns with similar restrictions across other municipalities in the region, and follows remarks Schmitt made to Fort Erie Radio at the end of July indicating that another “couple of weeks with no rain and high temperatures” would likely result in a ban.

Violations may result in fines under the town’s open-air burning bylaw.

The Fort Erie Fire Department says it will monitor weather and ground conditions and lift the ban when it is safe to do so.