Camp Fires
With the high danger rating for open flame fires, there are specific rules and regulations that must be followed. Extreme caution must be taken:
Absolutely NO daytime burning
Small fires are permitted in rural areas
Max fire pit size is two feet by two feet
Avoid having a fire when it’s windy
Either use a dedicated fire pit (hand made, metal pit, etc.) or have the fire on rock/sand surface
Keep fire clear of flammable objects (chairs, trees, camping gear, etc.)
Always use paper or kindling over flammable liquids to start a fire
Never leave the fire unattended
Keep water source nearby at all times
Extinguish fire fully before leaving
Fireworks
No matter how much fun Fireworks can be, there are also specific rules and regulations that must be followed. During a high/extreme fire rating there is a TOTAL BAN on use of fireworks. This means that until the rating decreases, fireworks are not permitted in the Muskoka area. For future reference though, here are some tips to help you with firework safety:
Always purchase from a reliable source
Follow the directions on the label
If too windy, don’t risk it
Always use in an open location clear of trees and structures
Place fireworks in bucket of sand when lighting
Keep unused fireworks in a closed container and away from any flames
Spectators should be at least 10-15 meters away
The firework operator must be 18 years or older
A bucket of water should always be kept near where the fire works are being lit
After firework is finished, submerge in water and dispose of it
Only use one firework at a time
wear eye/hand protection
NEVER hold a firework and light it
Home & Cottage:
Besides planned fires and fireworks, there is also the risk of house fires. 8% of annual loss fires occur in August. Of this there was an average of 33 injuries and an average of 4 fatalities in Ontario alone. One in three fatal fires in Canada did not have a working fire alarm in their home. Main causes of fires involve:
Leaving candles unattended
Cooking/cooking oils igniting clothing
Smoking materials
Prevention
The risk of a home or cottage fire is always apparent, however, there are many steps you can take to decrease the chances and ensure your safety.
IT IS THE LAW to have smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside of all sleeping areas
Must have Carbon Monoxide detectors outside all sleeping areas (recommended to have an alarm near fuel burning areas)
Avoid using candles during a power outage (use flashlights and glow sticks as alternatives)
When using candles, DO NOT leave unattended
Store propane tanks outside
Make sure that your emergency address number is clearly visible from roadways
IN CASE OF FIRE:
Call 911 Immediately
Evacuate building fast (do not put yourself in harms way)
Prepare an escape plan with your family incase of emergency
For more information, follow these links!
http://www.bracebridge.ca/en/town-services/Fire-Prevention-and-Education.aspx
https://www.sgicanada.ca/mb/individuals/risk/preventiontips/preventfires.html
https://weather.gc.ca/warnings/report_e.html?on15