An exasperated Timmins Fire Chief Tom Laughren has pleaded with local media to again get the word out headed into the long weekend, about the ban on outdoor fires.

It was imposed by the province, so he has no jurisdiction over it.

“I can’t tell you how many calls we’ve had at the fire hall from people asking if they can have a fire and in some cases, almost begging,” the chief reports.

He says the no-burning order is meant to protect firefighting resources by not exposing firefighters to the COVID-19 virus.

“To think that you can do it on the weekend no matter where you are, the MNR will be out in full complement and the OPP will be out in full complement and they will be watching and ensuring that people are adhering to that ban.”

Laughren doesn’t think the fire ban will be lifted as long as Ontario is under a state of emergency.