Crews fight massive bush fire caused by ‘inappropriate’ ash disposal

Orillia residents told to shelter-in-place for police investigation.

Fire crews spent hours fighting a large bush fire in a wooded area of Ramara Township Wednesday evening.

Tony Strong, Ramara Township’s fire chief, told CTV News that crews received a 6:18 p.m. call for a fire on Oakridge Drive in Washago.

The bush surrounding the property was reportedly burning and began spreading to a nearby woodshed and carport. The 25 firefighters involved in the response stopped the fire from spreading further, leaving the woodshed and carport with damage that was considered minor.

Chief Strong said that one occupant was home at the time of the fire and was alerted by a neighbour who first noticed it.

He added that fire was caused by ‘inappropriately’ disposed ashes from a wood stove, and that the incident is not considered suspicious.

No injuries were reported, and it took nearly three hours to fully extinguish the fire. It was confirmed to be out when crews re-attended the scene at 8 a.m. Thursday morning to make sure that there were no more hotspots.