Burn bans announced due to poor air quality
Posted Jul 15, 2026 05:12:26 PM.
Last Updated Jul 15, 2026 05:40:59 PM.
Wildfire smoke blanketed Waterloo Region and beyond on Wednesday which triggered an air quality alert and prompted local municipalities to announce burn bans.
The City of Kitchener enacted a temporary fire ban as of 3:30 p.m. which included backyard fires. The city said no new open burn permits will be issued or approved during the ban.
The Township of North Dumfries suspended all open-air burning and recreational burning, although BBQs and other approved devices were excluded.
The township warned it may implement a total burn ban because of the dry conditions which increase the risk of a fire. Fire officials are monitoring the situation closely because of the concerns.
Woolwich is also implementing a burn ban as of 12 a.m. Thursday.
“Effective at that time, all active burn permits will be suspended, and no new burn permits will be issued until further notice,” read a notice from the township. “Residential and open-air burning will not be permitted while the ban remains in effect. Propane and natural gas appliances, such as barbecues and gas fire tables, may continue to be used safely in accordance with manufacturer guidelines.”
The Township of Wilmot issued a reminder to its residents that both recreational and open-air fires are not permitted while severe air quality warnings are in effect.
Local residents are being advised that failing to comply with any burn ban could result in fees and/or charges.
