WEST CARLETON – Pull out the matches, the burn ban is over.

The Ottawa Fire Service (OFS) lifted the area’s burn ban today (Aug. 9) that has been in effect since July 29. Although the burn ban is over, residents still need to register their fires.

“Remember, City of Ottawa residents must obtain an Open Air Fire Permit (Burn Permit) in order to have an open air fire,” the OFS released in a statement this morning. “All burn permits are issued and regulated under the Open Air Fire By-law No. 2004-163.”

Prior to setting an open-air fire, you must first contact the OFS Communications Centre at 613-580-2880. For public inquiries please call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or email 3-1-1. Follow @OttFire on Twitter or visit Ottawa Fire Services on Ottawa.ca to receive the latest OFS news.

“We appreciate your assistance in preventing grass or other dangerous fires to occur during high risk periods,” City of Ottawa staff said.

All open air fires are prohibited during a ban, including for properties that have an Open Air Fire Permit. This ban applies to agricultural burns, brush pile burns as well as campfires.

“There will be zero tolerance enforcement during a fire ban,” Ottawa staff said.