Fire danger ratings remain elevated with more dry weather ahead

This file image indicates a 'high' fire danger rating in the District Municipality of Muskoka, Ont. (CTV News/Barrie)

While warm sunny July weather is perfect for everyone’s summer plans, the rainless forecast for this weekend and next week has fire danger rating needles across the region leaning to the right.

In Muskoka, the fire danger rating remains high, an advisory that was issued by the Muskoka Association of Fire Chiefs last Thursday.

That means small, recreational open-air fires are allowed between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m., but all daytime burning is prohibited.

In Simcoe County, the ratings for Innisfil and Georgian Bay/Muskoka were also set to high in Friday’s report by the county’s fire coordinator. The ratings for all other cities and towns remains moderate.

According to Environment Canada’s forecast, Barrie might not experience cloud cover until Tuesday evening and might not see a raindrop until Wednesday evening, when there is a 30 per cent chance of showers. Highs are expected to be between the high 20’s and low 30’s.

The Muskoka Association of Fire Chiefs also urges residents and cottagers to practice fire safety. Reminders include ensuring fires are at least six metres away from adjacent structures or trees, ensuring fires do not exceed two feet in width, never leaving a fire unattended, and only using dry wood for burning.