***************FIRE BAN LIFTED AS OF AUG 20/25**************

There is currently an EXTREME Fire Ban in Adjala/Tosorontio and New Tecumseth region. This means no more permits issued, and no fires of any sort are permitted. Yes, breaking a fire ban can have serious consequences for your insurance coverage—especially if a fire results in property damage or spreads beyond your property. Here’s what could happen:

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🔥 If You Break a Fire Ban and a Fire Occurs:

1. Insurance May Deny Your Claim

• If it’s proven that the fire started due to your negligence (e.g., lighting a campfire or burning debris during a ban), your home insurance, farm insurance, or liability insurance may refuse to cover damages to:
  • Your own property
  • Neighboring properties
  • Public land or forest

2. You Could Be Held Personally Liable

• You could be financially responsible for all resulting damage. This includes:
  • Homes, barns, or structures destroyed
  • Emergency response costs (firefighters, helicopters, etc.)
  • Fines and legal fees
  • Environmental damages

3. Criminal Charges and Fines

• In Canada, violating a fire ban can lead to hefty fines (often thousands of dollars) and even criminal charges under provincial wildfire laws.

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🔍 How Insurance Companies View This

Most insurance policies include “intentional or illegal acts” exclusions. If you’re found to have:

• Knowingly violated a fire ban
• Ignored local burn restrictions
• Failed to control or monitor a fire properly

Then the insurer may void your coverage for that incident—even if you didn’t mean for it to get out of control.

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✅ What You Should Do

• Always check fire bans or restrictions in your area before burning or using fire outdoors.
• Document permissions if you’re allowed to burn (e.g., have a permit).
• Use caution, especially in dry or windy conditions.

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If you’re concerned about a specific situation (or if you’re unsure whether your actions could affect your policy), contact us! We are here to help.