People looking to ring in Canada Day with a bang may be disappointed to learn that fireworks have been banned in some municipalities because of dry conditions.
A lack of rain and dry brush has spurred warnings and bans from fire departments across the region. These bans are mostly prevalent in the northern parts of the region area.
The fire danger rating in Parry Sound and Seguin Township are set at extreme. This means fires could easily start in the tinder dry grass and brush. It also means those fires could get out of control very quickly.
Under the extreme rating, both municipalities have issued a complete ban on open air burning and fireworks. Similar bans are in place in the municipalities of Muskoka Lakes, Georgian Bay Township, Meaford and Caledon.
The bans are in place until further notice. It's worth noting that campfires are allowed at provincial parks.
Elsewhere, fire danger ratings are hovering between moderate and high. While a ban isn’t in place in those areas, fire officials are asking people to be extra cautious and to keep water close by.
You can see a full list of fire danger ratings and bans below.
Municipality |
Rating | Current Burning Restrictions |
Parry Sound | Extreme | No open air burning or fireworks |
Seguin Township | Extreme | No open air burning or fireworks |
Georgian Bay Township | High | Campfires for cooking and warmth only; no fireworks |
Muskoka Lakes | High | Open air burning is allowed; fireworks are not |
Caledon | N/A | No open burning or fireworks |
Meaford | N/A | Small campfires allowed; fireworks are not |
Springwater | Moderate | None |
Tay | High | None |
Clearview | High | Use caution; No special permits for large burns |
Collingwood | Moderate | None |
Essa | High | None |
Innisfil | High | Use caution; No special permits for large burns |
Midland/ Penetanguishene | High | None |
Rama | High | None |
Ramara | High | Fires for cooking only |
Oro-Medonte | High | None |
Tiny | High | None |
Barrie | High | None |
Orillia | Moderate | None |
Wasaga Beach | High | None |
Severn | High | None |
Bradford West Gwillimbury | High | None |
Adjala-Tosorontio | High | None |
New Tecumseth | High | Use caution |
Bracebridge | High | None |
Huntsville | High | None |
Gravenhurst | High | None |