Media Release

Daytime Burning Regulations Begin April 1

*Provided by the Muskoka Association of Fire Chiefs

With the warmer weather approaching, it is time to think about the significant impact it has on wildfires – how they start, how aggressively they spread, and how long they burn. As fire danger ratings change during the summer season, it is important to be aware of the current rating and take precautionary steps to reduce your risk of starting a fire.

Starting April 1, the Muskoka Fire Danger Rating will be set at LOW. While the rating is LOW, daytime burning restrictions are now in place across most of the District.

Daytime Burning Regulations (8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)

Huntsville No Daytime Burning

Bracebridge No Daytime Burning

Gravenhurst No Daytime Burning

Lake of Bays No Daytime Burning

Georgian Bay Permitted with a valid burn permit

Muskoka Lakes Permitted with a valid burn permit

This is the Forest Fire Danger Rating for Ontario Fire Zone RF27 (District of Muskoka). The Muskoka Fire Season runs April 1st to October 31st each year. The rating is verified daily and updated whenever the rating changes.

For complete information on burning in your municipality please check with your local municipal office at:

Bracebridge: 705-645-8258

Huntsville: 705-789-5201

Georgian Bay: 705-538-2337

Lake of Bays: 705-635-2272

Gravenhurst: 705-687-3412

Muskoka Lakes: 705-765-3156

The Muskoka Fire Danger Rating is determined using the Fire Weather Index (FWI), an internationally used method for determining the risk of fires in open air. It uses factors such as the relative humidity, temperature, previous 24-hour rain amount, wind directions and wind speed in combination with the forest fuel type and loads to determine the risk of the forest to certain fire types. From this calculation the Forest Fire Danger Rating is made in consultation with the Fire Chiefs of the six area municipalities and the Ministry of Natural Resources.

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For more information, contact:
Steve Markham
Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department
Public Education/Fire Prevention Officer
705-789-5201 x 3609
steve.markham@huntsville.ca