Muskoka Lakes Fire Department Ready for 2026 Fire Season

The Wildland Fire Season runs annually from April 1 to October 31. Fire prevention is a shared responsibility. Be FireSmart, follow local Burning By-law 2023-034, and help keep Muskoka Lakes safe.

MUSKOKA LAKES, ON, April 1, 2026 – The Muskoka Lakes Fire Department (“Muskoka Lakes Fire” or “MLFD” or “the department”) is entering the 2026 wildland fire season with proactive measures in place to support wildfire prevention, preparedness, and response across the Township. The season begins today and continues through October 31.

Muskoka Lakes Fire remains committed to monitoring fire conditions, maintaining operational readiness, and working in coordination with provincial and local partners to support wildfire response. Recent wildfire suppression training has further strengthened the department’s preparedness and ongoing commitment to community safety.

“Our firefighters are trained, our equipment is ready, and we are working hand-in-hand with the province to monitor fire conditions daily,” said Fire Chief Ryan Murrell. “While we are prepared to respond, fire prevention is a shared responsibility. We are asking every resident and visitor to be 'FireSmart' and respect our local burning by-laws to keep Muskoka Lakes safe.”

With approximately 50 per cent of wildland fires caused by human activity, MLFD is reminding the public that Burning By-law 2023-034 remains in effect and regulates outdoor burning within the Township.

Important Local Burning Regulations:

• Daytime Burning Prohibited without a permit: From April 1 to October 31, no person shall set or maintain a fire in the open air between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. without a valid permit.
• Burn Permits Required: Permits are required for any daytime burning or large brush piles. Residents can apply for and purchase permits online at tml.burnpermits.com.
• Nighttime Fires: Small, confined campfires for recreational purposes are permitted between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. without a permit, provided they do not exceed 1 metre in height and 1 metre in diameter and are supervised at all times.
• Weather Conditions: Burning is strictly prohibited when winds exceed 16 kph or during a declared Fire Ban.

How You Can Help Prevent Wildfires:

1. Check the Rating: Before lighting any fire, check the Muskoka Fire Danger Rating at muskokalakes.ca.
2. Extinguish Completely: All fires must be "cold to the touch" before being left unattended.
3. Know the Consequences: Under Burning By-law 2023-034, individuals who contravene burning regulations may be held liable for the full cost of fire suppression services and damages to property.

For more information on fire permits, by-laws, and emergency preparedness, please visit the Fire Permits and Plans webpage at muskokalakes.ca 

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For more information, please contact:
Ryan Murrell
Fire Chief, Muskoka Lakes Fire Department
(705) 765-3156 x261
C: (705) 646-5282
rmurrell@muskokalakes.ca

For general, media or accessibility requests, please contact:
Mia Palantzas
Communications Advisor
(705) 765-3156 x360
communications@muskokalakes.ca

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