The Muskoka Association of Fire Chiefs raised the region’s fire danger rating to high on May 28, 2026, signalling that the risk of wildfire has become serious across the District of Muskoka, including Bracebridge. The move, which took effect at 9:00 a.m., reflects increasingly dry conditions, several recent wildland fires in the area, warm temperatures, and low humidity that have left forest fuels like leaves, deadfall, and grass tinder-dry.
This is not the first time this year that the rating has climbed. Earlier in 2026, the rating hit extreme, prompting a total fire ban before the Ministry of Natural Resources lifted the restricted fire zone and conditions briefly improved. Now, just ten days after the Victoria Day long weekend saw a low rating, the quick return to high underscores how fast things can change in cottage country.
Under a high rating, all daytime burning is prohibited, including contractor fires. Every current open-air fire permit is suspended, and no new permits will be issued. Fireworks are also strictly off the table, with any existing display permits now void. While small, confined fires are still allowed without a permit between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m., the fire chiefs are strongly discouraging even those. With warm weather and low humidity, the risk of wildfire is serious.
The rating is built on the Fire Weather Index, an internationally used method that weighs factors like relative humidity, temperature, the previous day’s rainfall, wind, and forest fuel types. The association consults with the six area municipal fire chiefs and the Ministry of Natural Resources to set the level, which remains in effect from April 1 to October 31 across Restricted Fire Zone RFZ 27.
For anyone who does light a small evening fire, Bracebridge’s Burning Control By-Law still applies. Fires must be at least six metres from any adjacent property, structure, tree, or anything that can burn, and can be no larger than 61 centimetres wide. Only dry wood may be burned – no grass, yard waste, or green wood. Fires must never be left unattended, and an immediately accessible supply of water and tools must be on hand to put the fire out completely before leaving.
Residents living near forested areas are urged to keep a clear space around their homes and have an emergency plan ready. The Bracebridge Fire Department reminds everyone to stay alert as conditions are not expected to improve without significant rainfall.
