Media Release - Fire Season Starts Again on April 1

MUSKOKA LAKES, ON – The fire season starts on April 1 and goes through until October 31 of each year.

The Township of Muskoka Lakes Open-Air Burning By-law has been updated. Some of the changes include:

• Daytime burning times are now defined and fall between the hours of 7:00 am to 7:00 pm;
• A permit is required for any daytime burning;
• Maximum size of a fire is (1 metre x 1 metre);
• Special provisions have been included which would allow contractors to have a larger fire with the Fire Chief’s approval;
• Burn barrels are now regulated, and must be in sound condition with a mesh screen; and,
• A requirement for available extinguishment, which consists of a minimum nineteen litres of water within 5 metres of the fire.

“A review of the Open-Air Burning Bylaw was undertaken in order to simplify burning requirements for residents and to allow a seamless transition to an online burn-permit platform,” said Fire Chief, Ryan Murrell. Chief Murrell adds that “Daytime fires are still permitted within Muskoka Lakes; however, you must have a valid burning permit for the property where the fire is occurring.”  

In Muskoka Lakes, burn permits are available throughthe website. Contractors who wish to have a larger fire shall contact the Fire Department for further information on the application process. 

To read the updated by-law, please visit www.muskokalakes.ca.                                                                                               -30-