Fire officials in Chatham-Kent are urging the public to be cautious amid dry weather conditions.
Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue has responded to a significant increase in brush fires over the last few days.
According to officials, all burn permits are currently active, however, residents are being encouraged to use extreme caution while burning.
Fire Chief Chris Case says no open burn, agricultural or recreational, can be left unattended. He says burning must always be done in a safe manner and must comply with the municipality's open-air burning fires by-law.
“After quite a long period of warm weather, without rain the ground and brush is very dry, making it much easier for a fire to start and quickly spread,” he said. “Our crews have been working hard to contain these fires, but we need our community's help. We are not proposing a burn ban currently, however, we constantly monitor the situation. A burn ban would be our last resort and hope that we can work together to keep everyone safe.”
Residents are being reminded to not dispose of lit cigarettes off balconies or out of car windows.
