South Frontenac Fire offering free brush drop off during fire ban

While a fire ban might seem unnecessary and inconvenient right now when most people are staying home and busying themselves with yard work, it’s actually very important, according to the Township of South Frontenac.

“Dry grass, windy conditions, and a moment’s distraction are the perfect recipe for disaster when burning in the spring,” the Township said in a press release on Tuesday, Apr. 7, 2020.

The Township explained in the press release that the ‘perfect storm’ of conditions in the spring is one of the reasons the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has put a total fire ban in effect for Ontario’s restricted fire zones. It’s also why the Township of South Frontenac (and all surrounding municipalities) have put their own total fire bans in place.

“In addition to dry conditions, the COVID-19 pandemic has put further strain on emergency services, making spring grass or brush fires even more challenging, and making social gatherings around outdoor fires dangerous on their own,” the Township said.

To help its residents get rid of accumulated brush on their properties, South Frontenac Fire and Rescue is offering a free brush/yard waste drop-off location. Through the month of April, volunteer firefighters will be on site just north of 5012 Quarry Road in Hartington one day a week. The firefighters will coordinate the collection, dumping, and controlled burning of residential brush in a safe manner.

While maintaining social distancing protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic, vehicles will be able to drive into the quarry to unload brush. Fire department personnel will direct residents where to unload their brush, and then carry out controlled burning of that brush at appropriate times.

According to the Township, South Frontenac Fire and Rescue will accommodate as many vehicles as possible during the scheduled time, but residents are asked to cue in the vehicles as directed by the fire fighters on site. This will help ensure orderly disposal in the right locations for controlled burning.

The Township stressed that no brush is to be dropped off outside the scheduled dates and times due to risk of fire. Residents are reminding that they are subject to fines for any illegal dumping at the site.

The drop-off location just north of 5012 Quarry Road in Hartington will be open as follows:

• Saturday, Apr. 11, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday, Apr. 18, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday, Apr. 25, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Directions to the drop-off site are as follows:

• Off Road 38 in Hartington, head west on Boyce Road for 3.5 km
• Turn right and head north for 3.5 km
• Arrive just north of 5012 Quarry Road and follow the signage
• Saturday, Apr. 11, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All dates and times will be subject to inclement weather including heavy rain and high winds, and any cancellations will be posted on the Township Website 24 hours prior to the scheduled dates.