In the past week, firefighters have responded to several human-caused wildland fires, many of which could have been prevented. With the Fire Danger Rating now at High, conditions are dry, and new fires can start easily, spread rapidly, and challenge suppression efforts.

“Careless burning, unattended campfires, and improperly discarded smoking materials are some of the leading causes of wildland fires we’re seeing right now,” said Fire Chief Gary Monahan. “We’re asking everyone to do their part, be responsible with fire and take steps to reduce risks around your home.”

Wildfire Prevention Starts with You

One of the best tools available to residents is the FireSmart Canada program, which offers practical steps homeowners can take to protect their properties. Now is the time to clean up leftover yard debris from winter and reduce potential fuel sources that can feed a fire.

Simple actions that make a big difference include:

• Clearing leaves, pine needles, and dead grass from around your home, decks, steps, and fences.
• Removing fallen branches and limbs that came down over the winter.
• Raking and bagging debris at least 1.5 metres away from structures.
• Keeping grass trimmed short and well-watered.
• Trimming tree branches that hang within two metres of your roof or siding.
• Moving firewood and other flammable items at least 10 metres away from your home.

Creating defensible space around your home can significantly slow or even stop the spread of a wildfire. The FireSmart Canada website offers free homeowner guides and checklists designed specifically for communities like ours. Visit firesmartcanada.ca to learn more.

Residents are reminded that daytime burning is not permitted, and all burning must comply with local fire bylaws. Always check the current fire danger rating and ensure conditions are safe before lighting any fire.

For fire safety questions or to report a concern, contact the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department at 705-789-5201 or visit huntsville.ca or lakeofbays.on.ca.

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When you can have fires: from April 1 to October 31 there is NO DAYTIME BURNING. Safe campfires can be enjoyed from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m.

If the Fire Danger Rating is at Extreme, you may not have a fire. Check the Fire Danger Rating at Outdoor Burning – Town of Huntsville or Fire Department | Township of Lake of Bays

What can be burned: clean, dry wood or charcoal/briquettes.

What cannot be burned: construction garbage, treated wood, leaves or garden waste. 

Size of the fire/clearance required:

• Recreational Fire – 2’ x 2’ with 20’ away from buildings or other combustible materials
• Non-Recreational Fire – 6’ x 6’ with 328’ (100m) from buildings or other combustible materials

Other requirements:

• Fire must be completely extinguished before leaving it
• Fire must be always monitored
• A hose, fire extinguisher or tools that can be used to contain or extinguish the fire need to be nearby.

For more information on wildfire awareness, please visit Firesmartcananda.ca. This website has all the information you need to be fire smart around your home and it even has a free training tool that will help you assess your home and your property around it.

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Guest speaker Ken Cox, Fire Advisor for Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, will introduce Huntsville and Lake of Bays residents to the FireSmart program. The presentation will cover Response and Operations, Wildland Fire Effects, how fires start and grow, and how property owners can improve their structures’ chances of surviving a passing wildfire using FireSmart Canada tactics and strategies.

“Just a few years ago, Ontario experienced the highest number of wildfires on record in over 25 years,” stated Steve Markham, Public Education and Fire Prevention Officer for the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department. “This presentation is essential for preparing our community in Huntsville and Lake of Bays for potentially challenging wildfire seasons ahead. By embracing FireSmart principles and making practical changes around our homes and neighbourhoods, we can really make a difference in reducing the risk that wildfires pose to our community.”

All are welcome to attend and learn about being FireSmart.

Additional Presentation on Wildfires Added!

Due to popular demand and requests for an evening session, the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department has scheduled a second date for the FireSmart^TM presentation. This ensures those who couldn’t attend the initial session can still benefit from vital wildfire preparedness information.

Additionally, the presentation will be recorded and made publicly available through the department’s YouTube channel for those unable to attend in person.

Please RSVP by contacting dwight@lakeofbayslibrary.ca or (705) 635-3319.

Second Session Details:

Date: April 25, 2024

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Dwight Public Library (1014 Dwight Beach Rd, Dwight)

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The Ontario government is investing over $5 million to attract, retain and recognize wildland firefighting staff for the 2024 fire season to protect people and communities across the province.

The post Ontario Launches New Incentive Payment For Wildland Firefighting Staff appeared first on Muskoka411.

All are welcome to attend and learn about being FireSmart.

Guest speaker Ken Cox, Fire Advisor for Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, will introduce Huntsville and Lake of Bays residents to the FireSmart program.

The presentation will cover Response and Operations, Wildland Fire Effects, how fires start and grow, and how property owners can improve their structures’ chances of surviving a passing wildfire using FireSmart Canada tactics and strategies.

“Just a few years ago, Ontario experienced the highest number of wildfires on record in over 25 years,” stated Steve Markham, Public Education and Fire Prevention Officer for the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department. “This presentation is essential for preparing our community in Huntsville and Lake of Bays for potentially challenging wildfire seasons ahead. By embracing FireSmart principles and making practical changes around our homes and neighbourhoods, we can really make a difference in reducing the risk that wildfires pose to our community.”

For additional resources and information about the FireSmart program and how to protect your property from wildland fires, visit firesmartcanada.ca.

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Commissioned by FIRST ONSITE, the Weather and Property Survey explores Canada’s top disaster fears (including climate change, spring flooding, wildfires, landslides, etc.) It also asks about threats and concerns for property during severe weather events.

“We conduct this survey every year to get a benchmark of Canadian attitudes, weather worries, and concerns that business and homeowners have for their properties,” said Jim Mandeville, SVP, First Onsite Property Restoration. “People are aware that storms aren’t acting like they used to, and we are seeing an increase in all types of property damage from weather events.”

Climate change concerns
Three quarters of respondents (73%) are worried about climate change and its effects on extreme weather and disasters. This concern was highest in Quebec (79%), British Columbia (77%) and Ontario (75%) and the lowest in Atlantic Canada (67%), Manitoba and Saskatchewan (66%) and Alberta (60%).

Wildfires and smoke
Not surprisingly, regional wildfire concerns were highest in British Columbia (82%) and Alberta (76%). Both provinces also led the way in terms of wildfire smoke fears. Also included in the smoky mix, Quebec (66%), Manitoba and Saskatchewan (66%), Ontario (60%) and Atlantic Canada (50%) expressed concerns over wildfire smoke.

Canada’s emergency preparedness minister recently warned that this year’s wildfire season will be worse than last year’s record-breaking season. In 2023, Canadian fires burned 185,000 square kilometres; that is more than double the previous record set in 1989 of 75,596 square kilometres, according to the National Forestry Database. Wildfire smoke blanketed North American cities all summer, making worldwide news as well.

Spring rains and flooding
Six-in-10 Canadians expressed fears of severe rains and flooding (60%), with British Columbia (67%) and Quebec (66%) leading the way. This makes sense considering B.C.’s history of severe flooding events, including the Pacific Northwest Floods of November 2021 and Québec’s record wet July of 2023. Flooding concern was next highest in Ontario (60%) and Atlantic Canada (59%) and lowest in Manitoba and Saskatchewan (47%) and Alberta (43%).

See the table below for results of Canada’s top disaster and severe weather fears.

Property threats
Drilling down, the survey also asked people what they felt were the top threats to their property during disasters or severe weather events. Six-in-10 Canadians responded, “I am concerned about the risk of mould after a flooding event.” Meanwhile, eight-in-10 Canadians (79%) were worried about personal or family safety during weather-related disasters, a number that was high across the board in all provinces.

People were also anxious about the cost of major renovations (72%), their level of preparedness in the event of a disaster (64%) and whether their insurance is at the right level (60%).

See table below for Canadians’ top threats to property during severe weather events.

“The increased occurrence and intensity of catastrophic weather events is a constant driver for homeowners, businesses and communities to be more resilient and better prepared for potential threats,” said Mandeville. “With the right planning and resources in place, businesses and residents can be better prepared to respond to property emergencies.”

First Onsite has been on the frontlines of high-risk situations due to climate change, natural disasters, and weather-related events. The company is ready 24/7, 365 days per year to help Canadian residents and businesses protect their properties.

First Onsite also offers free commercial and residential preparedness guides including wildfire preparedness tips and spring flooding damage tips. Visit their website for more information at www.firstonsite.ca.

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Today marks the end of the 2023 wildland fire season that saw more than 700 fires and 441,000 hectares of forests burned between April and October. That is almost three times as many hectares as the 10-year average.

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As Canadians help each other through these challenges, it is important to know what we can do to protect ourselves and our families. Wildfires produce thick smoke that can lead to both minor and more serious health issues. Smoke can travel hundreds or thousands of kilometres from the fire zone, so even if you’re not close to a fire, you can still be affected by the smoke. There is no safe level of exposure to wildfire smoke as it can pose a risk to your health even at very low levels.

Everyone is at risk from wildfire smoke but especially young children, people who are pregnant, people who smoke, seniors, people involved in outdoor work or sports and people with existing illnesses or chronic health conditions, such as lung or heart conditions and diabetes.

To help protect ourselves and our loved ones, there are certain actions we can take to limit our exposure to the harmful wildfire smoke, including:

• Pay attention to the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) or other indicators of smoke levels in your area to help identify your level of risk and actions you can take to protect your health. Take note of any special air quality statements issued as part of your weather forecast.
• Limit outdoor activity and strenuous physical activities as much as possible when the air quality is affected by smoke.
• If you can, protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke by keeping windows and doors closed, and using a clean good quality air filter in your ventilation system. If possible, consider using a portable air purifier to remove smoke from your home and/or turning on your air conditioning.
• If it’s difficult to find clean, cool air, contact your local jurisdiction for information on local cooling and clean air spaces. This is also something you can do during extreme heat events.
• If you must spend time outdoors, consider wearing a well-fitted respirator type mask such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator.
• Take care of your mental health during a wildfire smoke event. Anyone who is having trouble coping with symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression should seek help from a health professional.

Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada are working with other federal departments, such as Indigenous Services Canada, Public Safety and Environment and Climate Change Canada, as well as provincial and territorial partners, to reduce the risks to people in Canada from air pollution created by wildfire smoke. This includes providing advice, health and environmental information to the public through the AQHI, as well as helping health jurisdictions create and manage cleaner air spaces by providing technical expertise, public health guidance, and air quality monitoring equipment when requested.

In addition to providing information and public health guidance on layers of protection, we are also working with provinces and territories, as well as community organizations such as The North West Company to facilitate the availability of NIOSH certified N95 respirators for vulnerable populations.

To boost air quality monitoring capacity, Health Canada has sent 6 air quality monitors to Nova Scotia and 24 to Quebec. We have also provided two monitors to the Yukon, with additional sensors to follow later this month. These will be used by long-term care facilities and hospitals to test both indoor and outdoor air. In response to a request from British Columbia First Nations Health Authority, Health Canada is procuring an additional 25 indoor air quality monitors.

More broadly, the Government of Canada is supporting affected First Nations through the Emergency Management Assistance Program, and is also working with partners to match funds from donors to support those affected by the fires.

The post Public Health Update On The Health Effects Of Wildfires appeared first on Muskoka411.

Be prepared for any situation.

• Prepare, update and practice your emergency plan and ensure everyone in your household is included;
• Have a 72-hour emergency kit ready with the essentials needed to sustain you and your family for at least three days;
• Test smoke alarms and make sure you have one on every level of your home and outside of all sleeping areas;
• Remove any fire hazards in and around your home, such as dry branches, leaves and debris;
• Know how to turn off utilities;
• Make sure your vehicle has fuel at all times;
• Download and register for the Voyent Alert app for location-based emergency notifications; and
• Be informed of weather conditions, advisories and potentially triggering weather conditions.

With the fires currently taking place in northern Ontario and Quebec, conditions will appear hazy and you may smell smoke. You do not need to report these conditions to the Bracebridge Fire Department.

If you see a column of heavy smoke or flames, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Special Air Quality Statement
Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for Bracebridge and all of central Ontario.

High levels of air pollution are possible due to smoke from the forest fires across Canada. Smoke plumes from forest fires in Quebec may result in deteriorated air quality for most of the week. Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.

For more information on air quality, visit www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/air-quality-health-index/wildfire-smoke.html

Health and safety
Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health, even at low concentrations. Take actions to protect your health by reducing exposure to smoke. Vulnerable populations including those with lung disease (such as asthma), heart disease, seniors, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.

Stop outdoor activities and contact Ontario Health by dialing 8-1-1 or your health care provider if you or someone in your care experiences shortness of breath, wheezing (including asthma attacks), severe cough, dizziness or chest pains. Stay inside if you are feeling unwell and experiencing symptoms.

Resources

• Town of Bracebridge fire prevention
• Town of Bracebridge emergency preparedness
• Be FireSmart – Information from the FireSmart program on how to protect your property from wildland fires
• Forest fires – Information about the current forest fire danger, forest fire activity and fire restrictions across the province
• Ontario Health at 811 or 1-866-797-0007
• Government of Canada weather forecasts and alerts
• Wildfires – Get Prepared

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More than 100 firefighters and support staff from Mexico will arrive in Toronto on July 17 to help Ontario in its fight against several large forest fires in the Northwest.

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