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As we approach the beginning of the summer season in Muskoka we also start the fire season. We have already had a number of wildland fires in the District, most human caused, and forest fire warnings were high at the end of May due to the dry conditions and excess brush on the ground from the ice storm in March.
Living in a forested environment, wildland fires are a reality for us here in Muskoka and 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 Storymap on the Muskoka GeoHub. Air quality degradation from large scale forest fires, like in 2023, can negatively impact those with asthma and other lung and health conditions. When air quality is extremely poor, it’s difficult 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 a more sustained effect among adults (48% higher, lasting 1 week).1
During the 2023 forest fire season 441,000 hectares of forests burned between April and October in 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 indicate that 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 like what we saw in 2023.
There are a number of ways you can make your home and property less prone to the impacts of forest fires from FireSmart Canada.
We all love having an outdoor or campfire in the summer, but it’s important 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 current outdoor burning rules, check out your local town fire webpage.
As the climate warms 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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