The Ministry of Natural Resources is supporting a call for a year-round permitting system for open-air burning in northwestern Ontario.Municipal leaders in the Rainy River district gave approval to the concept at their meeting on the weekend.
The idea arose after an early start to last year's forest fire season forced several municipalities to impose fire bans.
Currently, permits are only needed between April and October.
Marnie Brown of the MNR says extending permitting requirements allows for greater control on burning outside the normal burning season, especially in drought-like conditions.
