Smoky skies: keeping an eye on local fire bans & alerts

Kempenfelt Bay paddler under yellow, wild-fire smoke sky. Wed., July 15, 2026. PHOTO: CTV NEWS/BARRIE/LUKE SIMARD

With a harsh yellow sky blocking out the noon-day sun, thick dangerous air ratings and no promise of rain, local municipalities are taking precautions.

For campfires, each municipality has its own rating codes.

Everything from total fire bans to extreme to moderate ratings are filling the email boxes of CTV News Barrie.

Muskoka District has set its fire danger rating to Extreme and issued a Total Fire Ban in effect for the area.

The prolonged hot, dry weather has created dangerous conditions that significantly increase the risk of wildfire. To protect people, property, and natural areas, all outdoor burning is strictly prohibited.

A Total Fire Ban disallows fires for any reason, no fires for cooking or warmth and does not permit fireworks.

Burning infractions are subject to fines.

Bracebridge and the Muskoka Association of Fire Chiefs are asking everyone to do their part to reduce the risk of wildfire by respecting the Total Fire Ban and avoiding activities that could create sparks or ignite dry vegetation.

Central Ontario Fire Danger Ratings

Adjala-Tosorontio Township says its fire rating will be moving from moderate to high. Meanwhile, in Beausoleil, the fire rating remains high. Ramara, Severn, Springwater, Tay Twp. and Tiny Twp. have all upgraded their fire ratings to high.

Clearview, Collingwood and Essa have all opted to up their fire ratings to high as well, joined by New Tecumseth.

Wasaga Beach’s fire rating was increased to high on Monday and remains the same.

Meanwhile, the city of Barrie and town of Penetanguishene have elected to keep their fire ratings at moderate. The same goes for Innisfil, Midland, Orillia and Oro-Medonte.

Bradford West Gwillimbury says its fire rating remains high but is subject to change based on ongoing weather conditions.

Emergency Management Simcoe County has released an alert regarding potential health risks associated with the northern wildfire smoke:

“When wildfire smoke and extreme heat occur at the same time, health risks can increase for everyone. During these conditions, it’s important to reduce your exposure to smoke while also taking steps to stay cool.

“If you must choose between avoiding smoke and avoiding heat, prioritize staying cool, as overheating can pose a greater immediate risk to your health.”

Dufferin County total burn ban

Around noon on Wednesday, Dufferin County announced a total fire ban as well, declaring its fire rating as extreme.

For residents of Amaranth, Garafraxa, Grand Valley, Melancthon, Mono, Mulmur, Shelburne and Orangeville, this means bon fires, recreation fires, construction burns and any other type of outdoor fires are banned for the time being.

Only approved, gas-fired and charcoal barbecues are exempt, the county says.

Residents are reminded that violation of the ban could lead to charges and fines.