2024-May-16
The 2024 Summer Fire Forecast
Fire Season typically runs from April 1st through to October 31st. The fires in British Columbia are getting all the headlines now, but in Ontario we have had 44 fires already compared to 23 this time last year. And the forecast for July and August looks worrisome. Ontario is expected to have above average risk for fires throughout the summer.
Even though the forecast looks grim, we can do our part by following the burning guidelines as well as respecting all bans and preparing our cottages to be fire ready this summer.
Ontario’s Outdoor Burning Regulations are in effect
In Ontario’s fire zone, you must follow Ontario’s Outdoor Burning Regulations to have an outdoor fire. By law, you need a fire permit to burn wood, brush, leaves and grass outside during the fire season (April 1 – October 31) unless you follow all the rules outlined below and:
- conditions allow it to burn safely until extinguished
- you take all necessary steps to tend, control and extinguish the fire
- you are not having an open fire in a restricted fire zone
Burning wood, brush and leaves
To dispose of yard waste and woody debris, we encourage you to use methods such as composting or using your local landfill. If you must burn, check with your local fire department for burning restrictions or permitting requirements prior to burning, use caution, and follow Ontario’s Outdoor Burning Regulations.
The fire season is off to a pretty good start this year in Ontario, but the same could have been said at this time last year too, and then there was a total fire ban lasting over 40 days! Collectively we can reduce the chance of wildfires by respecting the fire danger ratings and follow the rules associated with that level of danger. To that end, GBA posts a weekly fire danger rating every Thursday to alert you to the risks are in your area.
GBA also has some great resources and tips sheets to help mitigate the risk of fire at your cottage. Fireproof your Life outlines the FireSmart program with videos, the FireSmart manual, and links to printable one pager tips lists for inside and outside the cottage. It also gives you information on detectors and extinguishers and, perhaps most importantly, to creating a plan of escape in the event of fire. Remember to educate your family and guests!
Get more information on fire and fire prevention here.