Burn bans begin as drought-like weather hits the region

Bonfires can be a fun summer activity, but local municipalities are asking people not to light up.

Tecumseh Fire & Rescue Services issued a burn ban Tuesday that will last "until further notice."

The fire service said a lack of rainfall has made for dry conditions which are ideal for rapid fire to spread.

The burn ban applies to all areas of the town.

"A ban on open burns is normal in these dry conditions," said Bob Hamilton, Tecumseh Fire & Rescue Services fire prevention officer in a news release.

"Residents can still use their barbecues and propane fueled tables, however we request that no open fires in pits or other facilities be held until we receive significant rainfall to wet the ground enough."

Those who don't observe the issue can be fined up to $500.

Chatham-Kent also issued a fire ban last Friday, citing dry and hot conditions as the reason.

It applies to all open-air fires including for those wo have a permit.

"We must all do our part by not burning and we are reminding residence to be extra careful with anything that could spark a fire," said Chatham-Kent's fire operations chief Chris Case, in a news release.

"It's not just campfires that pose a risk and something as simple as tossing a lit cigarette out a car window, could have very serious implications with the dry weather we are having."

Windsor never allows open air burning, regardless of weather conditions.