Ottawa Fire issues a ban on open-air fires
An open-air fire ban has been issued for the city of Ottawa due to the dry grass and brush during the early spring conditions.
The fire ban was issued just hours before firefighters responded to a reported grass fire in the Fernbank Road area.
The Ottawa Fire Service says the ban on open air burning has been issued, effective immediately, to prevent the “rapid spread of fire” that may be sparked by dry vegetation across the region.
“Early spring conditions include a large volume of dry vegetation left over from last fall which increase risks and can quickly lead to fast and uncontrolled spread of fire,” Ottawa Fire said in a statement on Friday.
All open-air fires are prohibited during the open-air fire ban, including properties that have an Open Air Fire Permit.
“This ban applies to agricultural burns, brush pile burns, as well as campfires and wood burning outdoor fireplaces,” OFS said.
Smokers are also asked to be careful when butting out, and not to throw lit cigarettes out of vehicle windows. Carelessly discarded cigarettes are a major cause of grass fires during dry periods.
Ottawa Fire says the ban on open fires will remain in place until conditions improve and the green grass starts to show through tall dead grass.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.