Total fire ban issued for several areas in Simcoe County
Multiple municipalities across Simcoe County are under fire bans amid tinder-dry conditions igniting concerns about the potential dangers of out-of-control fires.
Open-air burning is prohibited in several areas due to the warm, dry weather.
The ban includes the use of fireworks and applies to cooking fires, campfires, brush burns, and other types of outdoor burning.
Residents found not complying with the fire ban could face hefty fines.
In Springwater Township, anyone caught violating the fire ban could be fined a minimum of $700.
Officials note the risk of fire is "very serious," adding new fires will start easily in the dry conditions and spread rapidly.
Midland and Penetanguishene Fire Chief Richard Renaud noted both community's fire danger ratings had been upgraded to extreme on Tuesday.
"In the interest of public safety and the protection of property and the environment, no open-air burning is permitted for any reason until the fire bans are lifted and danger ratings return to moderate," the fire chief stated.
A total fire ban was issued last week for all of Muskoka.
Municipalities currently under a total fire ban include:
Bradford West Gwillimbury
Adjala-Tosorontio
Innisfil
Springwater Township
Essa Township
New Tecumseth
Tay Township
Midland
Penetanguishene
Ramara
Tiny Township
Oro-Medonte
Collingwood
Residents are urged to check online with their municipality or fire department whether they are under a fire ban.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories

BREAKING Dozens dead after blast in southwestern Pakistan at a rally celebrating birthday of Islam's prophet
A powerful bomb exploded near a mosque at a rally celebrating the birthday of Islam's Prophet Muhammad in southwestern Pakistan on Friday, killing at least 52 people and injuring nearly 70 others, police and a government official said.
In defiance of judge, Sask. premier to force school pronoun rules into law
In defiance of a King's Bench ruling, Saskatchewan's premier plans to force a controversial school pronoun policy into law.
Authorities dispatched to Britney Spears' home over video showing singer dancing with knives
Officials were called to the southern California home of Britney Spears on Wednesday to conduct a wellness check after the singer posted a video on social media depicting her dancing with knives.
EXCLUSIVE 'A shock and an embarrassment': Canada's governor general on Parliament's recognition of Nazi veteran
Canada's Gov. Gen. Mary Simon says Parliament's recognition of a man who fought for a Nazi unit during the Second World War was 'a shock and an embarrassment,' and she's considering personally reaching out to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Police search for answers after IED explosion in Barrie, Ont. parking lot
Police in Barrie continue to canvas a west-end neighbourhood, searching for answers after a vehicle explosion at an Anne Street apartment complex Wednesday morning.
Class-action lawsuit seeks compensation for Canadian consumers who bought Cold-FX products
A Canadian class-action lawsuit alleges the effectiveness of Cold-FX products was falsely advertised, and seeks compensation for anyone who bought the products.
B.C. Sikh leader says RCMP warned him of threats to his life after Nijjar killing
A close associate of slain Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar says he has also been warned that his life may be in danger.
These are Canada's most popular baby names
Looking for baby name inspiration? A recent list of the top 20 baby names in 2022 may help with your search.
Blinken meets Indian foreign minister as row between India and Canada simmers
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Thursday with India's foreign minister amid a simmering row between New Delhi and Ottawa over allegations of Indian government involvement in the killing of a Sikh activist in Canada.