Kingston Fire & Rescue issues notice of burn ban

In advance of the total solar eclipse happening in Kingston on Monday, April 8, Kingston Fire & Rescue (KFR) will activate a complete burn ban from Friday, April 5, at 8 a.m. to Tuesday, April 9, at 8 a.m. 

Kingston is preparing to welcome 70,000 to 500,000 visitors to the region, creating additional service needs and traffic congestion leading up to, during and following the eclipse. 

“By issuing a burn ban, we can keep resources available to respond to emergency scenes when and where they are needed,” says KFR Fire Chief Monique Belair. “If the fire department is responding to an open-air fire, crews will be unavailable to help in other emergency or rescue situations. This may come at the expense of increased response times, endangerment to the responders, or even the loss of life. We ask that all residents and visitors comply with the burn ban to ensure we keep Kingston safe for all.” 

While the ban is in effect. the following is prohibited:   

• Setting off fireworks   

• All open-air fires, including campfires, outdoor appliance fires, agricultural fires and brush fires 

You may still use propane and natural gas appliances, smokers, barbeques, and charcoal appliances, however, please exercise extreme caution.  

KFR will continue to monitor the situation and provide an update if conditions change.