St. Catharines is the latest city to put an open air burning ban in place.

With the hot,dry weather, which Fire Chief Mark Mehlenbacher calls the worst of his career, a small spark can cause a grass or brush fire.

Included in the ban, fire pits, fire bowls, chimineas, and fireworks.

Barbecues are still permitted under the ban, but Fire Services advise residents to exercise caution when cooking.

Chief Mehlenbacher says most of Niagara's 12 municiplaties have similiar bans in place and if they don't will probably have one soon.

If your unsure you can check with your local fire department

Residents who do not comply with the fire ban will be charged and could face fines up to $50,000.