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