Firefighters in almost every region of Northumberland County dealt with several brush fires on Sunday, March 21, 2021.
At approximately 6 p.m. members of the Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services responded to a brush fire along the shoulder of the eastbound lanes of Highway 401 approximately one kilometre west of Burnham Street in Cobourg.
When fire crews arrived the fire had spread to brush with flames shooting into the air.
Even a small mouse scurried away from the flames.
Firefighters were on scene for approximately 45-minutes dousing the flames and making sure the hot spots were extinguished.
It’s unknown how the fire started.
But several other departments in Northumberland County responded throughout the day to residents having fires that got out of control.
Hamilton Township Fire Chief Kelly Serson told Today’s Northumberland there are strict rules in most municipalities regarding open air burning.
“We’re certainly moving into that time of the year where grass fires become more prominent and a bit of an issue for fire departments.”
Serson said because it’s March people believe that everything is wet on the ground.
“That’s predominantly true except for the tops.”
“It is really dry and is causing issues. These are the types of fires and the time of year where we do struggle because the fires run fast.”
Serson said people should first and foremost check with their municipality/township before starting a fire.
“Some municipalities do not even allow burning at this time of the year.”
Even though homeowners may have good intentions, if they fire gets away on them, it could be costly if they don’t follow the rules and regulations.
“In most areas, particularly in Hamilton Township if you don’t have a burn permit and you’re not following the rules, we have no choice but to follow the laws of the municipality.”
“When those fire station doors have to roll-up and firetrucks have to respond there is cost.”
Costs per truck run into the several hundreds of dollars and/or plus a fine by the township.
Serson adds the bottom line if you are even contemplating having an open air fire, phone your local municipality to see what the rules and regulations are.
“That will save you a whole bunch of grief with respect to burning.”
It’s unknown how the fire started.
Numerous other brush fires were reported throughout the day in various municipalities.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
