Total fire ban issued in Muskoka as fire danger rating is upgraded to extreme
The Muskoka Fire Chiefs have taken decisive action in response to the increasingly dry conditions by elevating the forest fire danger rating from high to extreme on Tuesday.
As a result, a total fire ban has been implemented throughout the District of Muskoka to ensure residents' safety and the surrounding forests' preservation.
Recent incidents of out-of-control grass and brush fires across Muskoka prompted the escalation in the fire danger rating.
Unfortunately, the weather forecast offers no respite, with no significant precipitation expected. Consequently, conditions are projected to worsen, further heightening the risk of fires in the area.
Under the total fire ban, all open-air fires and fireworks are strictly prohibited.
Residents are urged to exercise extra caution when using equipment or tools that generate heat.
Alternative methods should be considered for tasks such as grinding tools and hot works when performed outdoors. Moreover, fire officials say it is crucial to refrain from driving any vehicle through long grass or brush, as the hot exhausts and engines can potentially ignite the dry ground cover.
The public is reminded to never dispose of cigarette and joint butts out a vehicle window, which can rapidly spark a grass or brush fire in dry conditions. Officials recommend disposing of butts in a metal container or water.
Individuals using propane appliances, including barbeques, should exercise additional care and never leave them unattended.
Several factors, including relative humidity, temperature, 24-hour rainfall, and wind direction and speed, determine the fire danger rating.
It's unclear when the fire ban might be lifted.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Pro-Palestinian protests roiling U.S. colleges escalate with arrests, new encampments and closures
The student protests of Israel's war with Hamas that have been creating friction at U.S. universities escalated Tuesday as new encampments sprouted and some colleges encouraged students to stay home and learn online, after dozens of arrests across the country.
Tabloid publisher says he pledged to be Trump campaign's 'eyes and ears' during 2016 race
A veteran tabloid publisher testified Tuesday that he pledged to be Donald Trump 's 'eyes and ears' during his 2016 presidential campaign, recounting how he promised the then-candidate that he would help suppress stories that had the potential to harm the Republican's election bid.