07/01/2026
🚒 GREATER MADAWASKA FIRE DEPARTMENT – FIRE BAN UPDATE 🚒
After reviewing current conditions and consulting with the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Greater Madawaska Fire Department has reduced the fire ban from Level 2 to Level 1, effective immediately.
Over the past few days, we know there has been some confusion regarding the fire ban, so we wanted to provide some background on how these decisions are made.
Earlier this week, discussions with the Ministry of Natural Resources indicated that our fire hazard rating was Extremely High and, based on the forecast at the time, there was very little rain expected and no significant precipitation in sight. The forecast called for approximately 4 mm of rain over a two-day period.
As a result, a Level 2 Fire Ban was implemented to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during what appeared to be a prolonged period of hot, dry weather.
Fortunately, Mother Nature had other plans.
Instead of the forecasted 4 mm, many areas throughout the Township received approximately 35–40 mm of rain over the last two days. Following yesterday's rainfall, discussions with the MNR indicated that while conditions had improved, the fire hazard rating was expected to climb back quickly due to the forecast calling for continued heat and little to no additional rainfall. Then, last night's storm brought even more significant rainfall, further improving conditions across the Township.
With the recent rainfall and current conditions, we are comfortable moving back to a Level 1 Fire Ban.
✅ Campfires are permitted.
✅ At-home consumer fireworks are permitted for Canada Day.
We still ask residents to use caution:
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Keep campfires small and manageable.
• Have a water source nearby.
• Fully extinguish all fires before leaving them.
• Follow all applicable fireworks regulations and manufacturer instructions.
We would also like to clarify that the cancellation of the Canada Day fireworks display was not related to the fire ban.
The decision to postpone the fireworks was made by the Canada Day Committee due to the extreme heat forecast and concerns for volunteer safety. Many volunteers begin their day around 7:00 a.m. assisting with the pancake breakfast and community activities and often continue until nearly midnight. With temperatures expected to feel like 45°C or higher, the committee made the decision to scale back activities and postpone the fireworks in the interest of public and volunteer safety.
Thank you to everyone for your patience, understanding, and cooperation. We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Canada Day.
🇨🇦 Don't forget to stop by the Calabogie Community Hall between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. for pancakes, family fun, and kids' activities! The Greater Madawaska Fire Department will have apparatus on display, fire prevention activities, SCBA demonstrations, and some hands-on fun for the kids.
🇨🇦 Happy Canada Day from the Greater Madawaska Fire Department! 🚒🇨🇦
