FireSmart
The FireSmart property"My grandma's cottage was lost when I was a child due to arson. We take precautions like installing new batteries in smoke detectors... We always check our extinguishers on a regular basis... Anytime we have a bonfire, it is closely monitored and we always dig a pit surrounded by rocks to prevent any issues. Don't have fires on windy days ... and always have water handy if you intend to have a fire going."
- Kristen Ellis, Thunder Bay. Grand Prize Winner of the 2012 "Safe at the Cottage" contest
FOCA and the Aviation and Forest Fire Management branch of the MNR are partners in supporting FireSmart programs for Ontario’s waterfront communities.
Owning a woodland property in rural Ontario means that you are more likely to be affected by natural disturbances such as forest fire. It is important to take steps on your property and in your community to reduce the risks from wildfire.
This can be accomplished by following some simple FireSmart precautions which include site preparation (clearing a zone of protection around your buildings), using fire resistant building materials and techniques, and using FireSmart burning techniques in and outside of your home or cottage.
The FireSmart program offers a set of tools available from FOCA and the MNR to help you FireSmart your property and community; this includes videos, presentations, checklists, a home assessment test, and more.
See the FOCA FireSmart factsheet for a list of seasonal precautions you can take to ensure that you are ready for the coming fire season.
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Terry Rees meets with experts to discuss fire prevention at the Muskoka In-Water Boat and Cottage Show. Click here to hear Terry talk about the cottage connections and FireSmart. |
November 2012 - The 2012 fire season is officially over and AFFES states
that, "it was a more “normal” fire season despite fire activity running
ahead of the ten-year averages for number of fires and hectares
burned." There were more reported fires than in 2011 but much less area
was burned. For the full report click here...Stay up to date on forest fire hazard conditions and active fires across Ontario by viewing these maps:
- Latest Forest Fire Hazard Conditions in Ontario (map)
- Active Fires in Ontario (map)
- Current Restricted Fire Zones in Ontario (map)
2011 was a Record Fire Year - read the Forest Fire Summary report...
NEW Check out the newest FireSmart resource, Landscaping Techniques, on the FireSmart Cottage Fact Sheet page.
Number to Report Forest Fires
310-FIRE (3473) is the new, toll-free number across northern Ontario.
The number will operate north of the French and Mattawa Rivers. It is not available for satellite phones or from phones outside the province; calls from these locations should go to local fire departments.
Northwestern Ontario - Call 310-FIRE (3473)Its a good time to check your homeowners insurance to ensure you have adequate fire (and other perils) coverage.
