By Chad Ingram

A fire ban that has been in place across the four townships of  Haliburton County since July 7 has been lifted as of July 17.

“The current risk of wildfire has reduced within our township” reads a release from Minden Hills fire chief Nelson Johnson. “The rain over the last few days has reduced the wildfire risk. All burn permits issued within the Township of Minden Hills are reinstated and new permits will be issued.”

Regulations prohibit daytime burning between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. except by permit. No fire may exceed two metres in diameter all fires must be attended at all times and residents must have the ability to extinguish their fires.

Fireworks are prohibited and require a permit.

“Materials must be clean wood and cannot contain plastics garbage or hydrocarbon products such as tar oils and grease” the release reads. “The smoke and odours must not interfere with your neighbours or obscure roadways. The Minden Hills fire department also requests the public’s assistance to support these prevention measures and to report any wildfires or suspicious activity by calling 911 immediately.”

“Any person that sets allows to be set or maintains a fire within that restricted time without a permit shall be responsible for all fees fines and costs incurred by the fire department” the release states.

In a social media post Algonquin Highlands Mayor Carol Moffatt wrote the fire ban had been lifted across the county.

“The county’s fire chiefs will continue to monitor conditions” she wrote.