Smell of smoke in the community not from any local fire

North Bay Fire Chief Jason Whiteley says the poor air pollution in the community right now isn’t from any municipal or local forest fires.

“What we’re probably going to see over the next few days is smoke from the Parry Sound 33 fire come into the area,” he says.
He says that’s already happened the last couple of nights.

Meantime, Whiteley says the current fire risk is high and both the city and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry have fire bans in place.

He says any open burning within the city is prohibited with two exceptions.

“Except if you have a propane or charcoal barbecue or a propane fire like a fireplace. That is the only burning that is allowed. Right now, I’m taking a zero tolerance for anyone who has an open air burn and they will be fined,” Whiteley says.

He says the fine is for just over $500.