Muskoka-wide fire danger rating system in effect April 1st

Record high temperatures and widespread drought conditions fuelled record-breaking wildfires across Canada. Here in the 705, smoke from those fires hung over the region for several days. Incredibly, dozens of smaller blazes in Western provinces kept burning through a warm, dry winter.

Governments are bracing themselves for what is expected to be another record-breaking season. On March 21^st, the Ontario government announced that it is investing over $5 million to attract, retain and recognize wildland firefighting staff. In a news release the province said, “In recognition of the critical services wildland firefighters and pilots perform amid challenging and often dangerous conditions, an attraction and retention incentive payment of up to $5,000 will be provided to employees in front-line fire, aviation and critical support positions to support the 2024 fire season.”

“Wildland firefighting staff work tirelessly under very difficult conditions to protect the health and safety of Ontarians, their property, and our natural resources. This is a respected and challenging career in our natural resources sector,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “In addition to this incentive, we continue to explore longer-term strategies and solutions to support attraction and retention of critical jobs for future years.”

Locally, the Muskoka-wide fire danger rating system will be in effect from April 1st to October 31st. Monitored and determined by the Muskoka Association of Fire Chiefs, in consultation with Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), the rating is verified daily and is determined using the Fire Weather Index (FWI), an internationally used method for determining the risk of fires in open air. The FWI uses factors such as relative humidity, temperature, previous 24-hour rain amount, wind directions and more to determine the risk level.

From April 1 to October 31 recreational open-air fires are permitted between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. in all four of Bracebridge’s fire zones in accordance with the Burning Control By-Law. Daytime burning and slash pile burning is not permitted during this timeframe. In Almaguin, burning is not permitted between the hours of 10:00am and 6:00pm. However, there is an exception for open air burns that are being used for cooking or warmth where no other means is available. Please check with your municipality for regulations.

Rules for outdoor burning:

Check the fire danger rating before lighting any fire;
Ensure your fire is at least 6 metres (20 feet) from any adjacent properties, structures, trees or anything that can burn and is a maximum of 61cm (2 feet) wide;
Never leave a fire unattended;
Do not use aerosols or accelerants on a fire, such as gasoline. These substances are unpredictable, and can explode and ignite surrounding areas;
Only dry wood can be burned. Do not burn any grass, yard waste or green wood;
There must be an immediately accessible and adequate supply of water and tools available to extinguish a fire. Make sure the fire is out completely before leaving the site;
Keep your distance. Children, pets and adults should stay a safe distance away; and
In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Fire Smart Canada advises property owners to review their home ignition zone (HIZ), the area within 30 metres of houses and structures. The Magnetawan Fire Department kindly provided us with critical information from Fire Smart Canada including fire smart landscaping. We urge you to download the attached PDF files below.

If you missed our video conversation with Kearney Fire Chief Paul Schaefer, you can see the video here: https://705blackfly.com/recent-warm-weather-is-raising-concerns-about-fires-across-ontario/