Selwyn Township Lifts Total Burn Ban as Air Quality and Fire Conditions Improve

Selwyn, ON (July 20, 2026) – Effective immediately, the Selwyn Fire Department has lifted the Total Burn Ban that was issued on July 16, 2026, due to hazardous air quality caused by smoke from wildfires in Northern Ontario.

With air quality and fire conditions improving, residents may resume open-air burning in accordance with the Township’s Open-Air Burning By-law. Residents are reminded that all burning must be conducted safely and responsibly, and that all requirements outlined in the by-law must be followed. The Open-Air Burning By-law can be found at selwyntownship.ca/FireDepartment.

“While conditions have improved, residents are reminded that fire safety remains a shared responsibility,” said Deputy Fire Chief Howard Jinkerson. “Please ensure you are burning in accordance with the Township’s Open-Air Burning By-law, have water or other extinguishing methods available, and never leave a fire unattended. Burning conditions can change quickly, and everyone plays an important role in preventing fires.”

Safe Burning Practices

Residents are reminded to:

• Review the Township’s Open-Air Burning By-law before conducting any open-air burn.
• Ensure fires are always supervised and fully extinguished when complete.
• Only burn permitted materials and follow all required setbacks and safety requirements.
• Verify current burning conditions before lighting a fire.

Burning conditions can change at any time. Residents must verify the current conditions prior to burning by calling the Selwyn Fire Department at 705-292-7282 or checking the Township of Selwyn’s social media channels.

The Selwyn Township Fire Department thanks residents for their cooperation and understanding during the Total Burn Ban. By continuing to burn safely and responsibly, residents can help protect the health, safety, and well-being of the community.

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For more information, contact:

Howard Jinkerson, Deputy Fire Chief

Township of Selwyn Fire Department

Phone: 705-292-7282

Email: fire@selwyntownship.ca