Fire bans and allowances across Central Ontario

An extreme fire danger rating was set in Muskoka with a total fire ban in this 2024 photo. (CTV News)

With not a drop of rain in the forecast for the next three days, it’s not likely an ever-widening fire-ban will be lifted.

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With more dry weather expected, the Muskoka region has moved the needle of its fire permit sign from moderate to high as of Thursday.

Muskoka new rating (High) means:

• Daytime burning is prohibited, including all contractor fires
• All current open-air fire permits are suspended, and no new permits will be issued
• Fireworks are strictly prohibited, and any display firework permits are void
• Evening burning between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. is still allowed without a permit, but extreme caution must be used.

It’s not just cottage/camping country that is coming down on the side of caution this long weekend.

The Simcoe County Fire Danger Rating and Open Air Burning Restrictions chart indicate many areas in our region are under a fire ban.

Simcoe County areas under an Extreme fire ban are:

• Adjala-Tosorontio
• Bradford West Gwillimbury
• Clearview
• Collingwood
• Essa
• Innisfil
• Springwater
• Tiny
• Wasaga Beach
• New Tecumseth

Simcoe County areas at High as of Thursday are:

• Barrie
• Oro-Medonte
• Rama
• Ramara
• Severn

Simcoe County areas with Moderate or no ban are:

• Beausoleil First Nation
• Midland
• Penetanguishene
• Orillia
• Tay