Climate Corner June 2025 - Forest Fire Season is Upon us: How you can Stay Safe

Living in a forested environment, wildlandfires are a reality for us here in Muskokaand it is best to be prepared and aware of how we can prevent forest fires as well as ensure properties are not damaged. As the climate changes we are likely to see more intense and longer forest fire seasons.

To stay up to date on current fires in the area and air quality measures you can view a Forest Fire Preparedness Storymapon the Muskoka GeoHub. Air quality degradation from large scale forest fires, like in 2023, can negatively impactthose with asthma and other lung and health conditions. When air quality is extremely poor, it'sdifficult to go outside and enjoy the summer season and for those without access to air filters or air conditioners it can be detrimental to their health. Negative health impacts were seen during the 2023 forest fire season in Ontario with asthma-related visits for medical care were briefly elevated after the wildfire smoke among children (40% higher), with amore sustained effect among adults (48% higher, lasting 1 week).¹

During the2023 forest fire season441,000 hectares of forests burned between April and Octoberin Ontario. That is almost three times as many hectares as the 10-year average. There were 741 fires that season - 51 fires more than the 10-year average.² Research shows that wildland fire activity across Ontario is likely to increase significantly as will the number of wildland fires that escape suppression efforts. Specifically, projections indicatethat total fires in Ontario could increase by 15 per cent by 2040, and by 50 per cent by 2100.³ That means more wildfire seasons likewhatwe saw in 2023.

There are a number ofways you can make your home and property less prone to the impacts of forest fires from FireSmartCanada.

We all love having an outdoor or campfire in the summer, but it'simportant to practice fire safety. You can find more information on the Government of Ontario's website - How to Prevent Forest Fires. To stay up to date on currentoutdoorburning rules, check out your local town fire webpage.

Town of Huntsville

Town of Bracebridge

Town of Gravenhurst

Township of Muskoka Lakes

Township of Lake of Bays

Township of Georgian Bay

As the climatewarms and forest fires become more prevalent and large scale, we can work together to ensure we have a safe summer season.

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