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Ottawa Fire Services is putting a city-wide burn ban in place as of Wednesday to combat spring brush fires with extra pressure this year to free up first responders for emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ban includes permit holders, Ottawa Fire Services confirmed Monday.

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A burn ban as of April 1 isn’t uncommon because as snow thaws it exposes dry grass, fallen branches and leaves that if ignited could fuel a rapidly-spreading fire.

Meanwhile, “as the city is in a state of emergency, it is important that first responders remain available for other priority incidents,” OFS public information officer Jennifer McNeely said.