Total fire ban enforced in Muskoka as forest fire danger rating set to extreme

Residents and cottagers are reminded there is a total fire ban in effect for the Muskoka area.

According to a release provided by the Muskoka Association of Fire Chiefs, the forest fire danger rating for the area is now set to extreme.

This includes Huntsville, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Georgian Bay Township, Muskoka Lakes and Lake of Bays.

According to the release, the Muskoka fire danger rating is determined using the fire weather index, an internationally used method for determining the risk of fires in open air. It considers factors such as relative humidity, temperature, previous 24-hour rain amount, wind directions and wind speed in combination with the forest fuel type and loads to determine the risk of the forest to certain fire types.

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Officials say despite the rain the region received yesterday, the burn ban will remain in effect.

Residents are reminded that until further notice no fires of any type are permitted. This includes fires for cooking or for warmth. Officials say fireworks are also strictly prohibited.