Simcoe County upgrades fire danger ratings
Simcoe County has increased the fire danger rating from moderate to high, with the exception of Collingwood.
The Simcoe County Emergency Fire Coordinator raised the fire ratings Friday morning.
This week's record-breaking temperatures and an absence of rain have contributed to the tinder-dry conditions.
Environmental Canada does not expect to see rain until early next week, highlighted in the five-day forecast.
A high fire rating means that the risk of a fire hazard is serious, and extreme caution must be used when burning.
Officials say the dry conditions continue to help fuel the flames.
The District of Muskoka issued a total fire ban earlier this week forbidding all fires, including fires intended for cooking and warmth.
Fireworks are also not allowed.
A fire ban in all of Northern Ontario is also in effect. They are also reminding everyone to be careful.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories

One in 14 Canadians left hospitals without receiving care due to long wait times in 2022
The number of Canadians who visit emergency departments across the country only to give up and leave before they receive any care has increased more than fivefold, according to new data collected by CTV News.
Liberal MP sides with Conservatives on failed motion to 'repeal all carbon taxes'
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's latest unsuccessful attempt to call on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to repeal his carbon pricing system has secured the support of one Liberal MP.
Too much Taylor? Travis Kelce says NFL TV coverage is 'overdoing it' with Swift during games
Maybe there's too much Taylor, not enough Travis. Travis Kelce agreed Wednesday with the idea that NFL TV coverage has been "overdoing it" with the amount of times Taylor Swift has been on screen while attending his Kansas City Chiefs' games the last two weeks.
Here's how much it costs to raise children in Canada, according to new statistics
A new report from Statistics Canada estimates how much parents will spend on children over the course of their lifetime.
Food inflation has nearly half of Canadians prioritizing cost over nutrition: survey
Under pressure from high food prices, a new survey shows almost half of Canadians are prioritizing the cost of their groceries instead of nutrition.
Rideau Hall apologizes for honouring Nazi veteran, Trudeau 'carefully' considering unsealing records
Rideau Hall is apologizing for the historic appointment of a man who fought for a Nazi unit in the Second World War, to the Order of Canada. Now, Gov. Gen. Mary Simon's office says it is examining two subsequent medals granted in the last two decades. This, as Jewish advocacy groups say the recent and resurfacing recognitions further make their case for the need to unseal Holocaust-related records.
Supporters of U.S. aid to Ukraine are watching the turmoil in the House with growing alarm
A path for additional U.S. aid to Ukraine appears increasingly fraught after the ouster of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, with many House Republicans opposing help for the war-torn country as they search for a new leader.
Kinew pledges to search landfill for remains of First Nations women, but says federal role wasn't part of conversation with PM
Manitoba premier-designate Wab Kinew insists he will keep a commitment to search the Prairie Green landfill for the remains of two First Nations women who are suspected to have been victims of an alleged serial killer.
Canada-India tensions: How we got here and what's at stake
In the past month, Canada has accused the Indian government of being involved in a murder on Canadian soil and India has ordered Canada to remove most of its diplomats from the country. Here's how the two countries got to this point, as well as what's at stake if tensions don't ease.