May 19, 2021

WEEKEND GRASS, BRUSH FIRES SHOW WHY MUSKOKA FIRE RATING ‘HIGH’

MUSKOKA — Gravenhurst firefighters rushed to brush and grass fires Sunday and Monday highlighting the ‘high’ forest fire rating that local fire chiefs announced this week.

They say in a joint release that due to drying conditions in the district and little rain in the forecast, the Muskoka Association of Fire Chiefs have raised the danger rating.

They warn extreme caution must be taken with all open flames.

And no daytime burning is allowed.

A fire ban can be implemented any time environmental conditions create an increased threat of fire.

All six district fire departments are monitoring the conditions closely, and the rating is verified daily and updated whenever the rating changes.

Evidence of its danger could be seen over this past weekend with multiple fire departments responding to rapid growing grass and brush fires.

They say fires were caused by unattended and prohibited burning and failure to fully extinguish campfires.

At the least, you must have adequate tools and water to extinguish the fire if the need arises and you must be with your fire at all times.

The Gravenhurst Fire Department (GFD) was called to West Gravenhurst Sunday and Monday for forest fires.

“The Muskoka Fire Chiefs do not increase the fire danger rating to infringe on any resident’s enjoyment of outdoor fires, they do it to protect the residents of their communities from the increased risks of wildfires” says Mike Peake, fire prevention officer for Bracebridge Fire Department.

“With high winds, low humidity, and little precipitation, these factors combine to dry out grass and forested areas allowing for the rapid spread and growth of fires.”

With the May long weekend coming up, fire prevention officers want residents to be respectful of the weather conditions and take extreme caution when having outdoor fires. Make sure that you comply with the requirements of your local by-laws for burning times and setback from combustible materials.

They offer theses few tips you can do to ensure you have a safe fire: make sure someone is always watching the fire, have hand tools and an adequate means to extinguish the fire on hand, and burn only clean seasoned wood.

“We want to make sure that everyone can enjoy their long weekend, including firefighters, so please be responsible when having fires this weekend,” said Peake.

“The Muskoka Forest Fire Danger “hotline” is also operational now and the public is asked to check the hotline before lighting any fire to ensure that a fire ban has not been declared,” adds Mike Vadlja, fire prevention officer for Huntsville/Lake of Bay Fire Department.

*NOTE: The Gravenhurst Fire Department is currently recruiting volunteer firefighters. Contact them at 705-687-3414 if you can help fight and prevent forest fires.