Flames first destroyed more than a dozen hectares of brush in Ramara Township on Monday; four days later hot spots and flare ups continue to keep firefighters busy.
Ramara fire crews were back at the scene of the more than 20 hectare fire in the area of Concession Road D & E on Friday after receiving reports of flare ups. Getting called back has become a daily routine for the service.
"Noon hits and spot fires just jump up everywhere,” says Cpt. Dale Black. “It's been nonstop back and forth. Hopefully we'll be done here today."
The dry conditions and wind fueled the fire. The cause isn't yet known, but the fire department has its suspicions.
"We feel that it's probably a neglectful smoking act coming down these trails."
Fire danger rating
The lack of rain and continued dryness has prompted municipalities across the region to raise their fire danger scale rating.
Conditions are so dry in Parry Sound and Meaford that the fire danger rating has been set to extreme -- the highest the rating scale goes. Open air burning is banned in those municipalities, nor can fireworks be used. Campfires are only permitted at organized campgrounds.
Many municipalities plan to revaluate their rating on Monday, and if no rain falls they to set their rating to extreme.
The rating determines how prone an area is to fire. It factors in humidity, temperature, rainfall and wind conditions.
Municipality |
Rating | Current Burning Restrictions |
Parry Sound | Extreme | No open burning or fireworks |
Meaford | Extreme | No open burning |
Springwater | High | None |
Tay | High | None |
Clearview | High | Use caution |
Collingwood | Moderate | None |
Essa | High | None |
Innisfil | High | Use caution |
Midland/ Penetanguishene | High | None |
Rama | High | None |
Ramara | High | Use caution |
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 |
Muskoka Lakes | High | No fireworks |
Georgian Bay/ Muskoka | High | Use caution |