Illegal open air burning causes brush fire

Sunday, April 22 at approximately 11:30 a.m., Caledon Fire & Emergency Services was dispatched to a brush fire behind 17743 Mississauga Rd. in the Alton Fire District. Upon arrival, firefighters located a large brush fire behind the residence that had already consumed a small drive shed on the property. The fire spread rapidly into wooded areas and an former Agreement Forest on the forks of the Credit Provincial Park. The fire grew in intensity rapidly due to the dry conditions and moderate winds out of the west. As a result of the size of the fire upon initial arrival, weather conditions and the limited number of volunteer firefighters available, additional assistance was requested from other Town of Caledon fire stations and the Orangeville fire department. Firefighters worked for close to three hours to extinguish the fire.

Residents are reminded that they must obtain a Burn Permit prior to burning on their property, where permitted, and that the terms of the Permit must be followed. Burn Permits may be obtained from Fire & Emergency Services, 6085 Old Church Rd. during normal business hours.

In this occurrence, a property owner on Mississauga Rd. was charged with Failing to Ensure a Means of Extinguishment was Available. He has been charged accordingly and issued a Provincial Offence Notice with a $ 300 fine. He will also be billed for the cost of firefighting operations at this incident.

The cause has been determined illegal open air burning and damage is estimated at $ 1,000 to a drive shed. Agencies responding included Alton, Caledon Village, Inglewood and Orangeville fire stations, Caledon OPP, Ministry of Natural Resources.