Back-to-Back Calls Underscore Importance of Following Burning By-Laws
On January 7, 2026, the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department responded to two back-to-back calls that came within minutes of one another. This resulted in a coordinated response in a tight time frame, highlighting the importance of following municipal burning by-laws.
At approximately 1:32 p.m., the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire. Upon arrival, firefighters determined the incident involved the burning of materials outside of the regulations of the municipal open-air burning by-law, and no structure was involved.
Five minutes later, at 1:37 p.m., the Fire Department was dispatched to a confirmed structure fire at a residential property on East Waseosa Lake Road in Huntsville.
Firefighters arrived to find two vehicles and a carport fully involved, with fire extending to the exterior of the home. Crews acted quickly and were able to stop the fire from spreading into the residence, preventing more extensive damage.
Firefighters from Station One (Huntsville), Station Three (Hillside), Station Four (Baysville), and Station Five (Port Sydney) responded with 38 firefighters and 10 apparatus.
There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident.
Damage is preliminarily estimated at over $250,000, including the loss of two vehicles and the carport, as well as damage to the exterior of the home. Fire Prevention Officers are currently investigating the incident.
Residents are reminded to follow local burning regulations and ensure all outdoor burning is conducted safely and responsibly. When fire crews are dispatched to by-law violations, those resources may be temporarily unavailable for legitimate emergencies, as demonstrated by these two calls occurring only minutes apart.
For more information on open-air burning regulations or fire prevention, please contact the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department or visit hlobfire.ca.
