‘Total fire ban’ for Muskoka issued by fire chiefs

MUSKOKA — A “total ban” on all types of outdoors fires has been issued for Muskoka.

The fire rating is ‘extreme,’ which means not burning of any kind outdoors.

Fire chiefs have ordered the ban until further notice.

It comes as an “extreme” fire rating has also been issued.

The joint statement from the fire officials in all six municipalities says no type are permitted.

That includes a ban on fires cooking, warmth — and no fireworks are allowed.

For complete information on burning in your municipality please check with your local municipal office at: Bracebridge 705-8258 Georgian Bay 705-538-2765 Gravenhurst 705-687-3412 Huntsville 705-789-5201 Lake of Bays 705-635-2272 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.

To hear the Muskoka Fire Danger Rating, call 1-877-847-1577