$1,100 fine for knowingly burning logs during total fire ban

MUSKOKA LAKES — A waterfront property owner who knowingly and willingly ignored the total fire ban with a “large” beach fire Thursday afternoon has been fined more than $1,100 by the township’s fire department.

Fire crews arrived at a beach to find logs and brush burning and the property owner admitting they knew there was a total fire ban in effect.

The Muskoka Lakes Fire Department responded to a burning complaint on July 19 just after 4 p.m., says a township release Friday.

“The call was for a large fire near the water.”

When crews arrived on scene there was a large pile of logs and branches burning near the beach.

The individual at the property was aware that the burning ban was in effect, said the township, however, continued to burn piles of logs and branches at the property.

The individual was charged under the Township of Muskoka Lakes Burning Bylaw #2018-16 for burning during a fire ban.

The fine was $1,000.00 + victim surcharge ($125) and court costs ($5) for a total of $1,130.

Muskoka Lakes Fire Chief Richard Hayes said: “It is frustrating. We make every effort to educate and inform the public of the burning ban in effect through the use of large billboard signs, social media, signs displayed at various commercial establishments, and traditional media, but we continue to receive calls for open air fires.”

He added that “conditions in Muskoka Lakes are very dry. Even though we have received some rain, it is not enough to lift the ban, and until we get a significant amount of rain, the ban will likely stay in effect.”

According to the township and fire service, you do not have to look hard to find stories of devastating wildland/urban interface fires. Many of these stories describe the lives and property lost.

“The goal of the Muskoka Lakes Fire Department is not to spoil summer fun, but to stop Muskoka Lakes from being yet another story,” says the release.

Residents can get up to date information on the fire danger rating through the Muskoka Lakes Fire Department Twitter and Facebook accounts @MuskokaLakesFD, the Township of Muskoka Lakes website at www.Muskokalakes.ca, or by contacting the Township Office Monday to Friday 8:15 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., or by calling the Muskoka Fire Danger Rating Hotline toll free at 1-888-847-1577.