06/05/2026
Use extreme caution when burning and be sure that you have a burn permit from Township of Athens Fire Department which can be obtained online
https://athens.burnpermits.com/
๐ฅ Wildfire Risk Increasing Across Southern Ontario with Widespread High to Extreme Danger Expected Thursday
Heads up! While weโve been enjoying a stretch of warm, sunny and dry weather, those same conditions are causing wildfire danger to steadily increase across much of Southern Ontario.
Over the past few days, wildfire danger ratings have already climbed into the โhighโ category in many areas. By Thursday, the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System (CWFIS) is forecasting widespread โextremeโ wildfire danger across Southern Ontario.
An extreme wildfire danger rating means fires can start very easily, spread rapidly, and become difficult to control. Even a small spark from a campfire, cigarette, ATV, trailer chain dragging on pavement, or outdoor equipment can quickly ignite dry grass and brush.
If youโre planning any outdoor burning, be sure to check with your local municipality first. Fire bans and burn restrictions may already be in place, or could be issued as conditions continue to worsen.
You can also help reduce the risk by properly extinguishing campfires, avoiding the use of fireworks where permitted, disposing of smoking materials safely, and keeping vehicles off dry grass whenever possible.
The good news is that slightly cooler temperatures and the chance of more widespread rainfall this weekend should help lower the wildfire danger, at least temporarily. However, current forecasts suggest next week may trend fairly dry again after the weekend rain, so we wouldnโt be surprised to see the wildfire risk climb once more.
Stay safe and be extra cautious with any activity that could create a spark. ๐ฅ
- Brennen
Source: CWFIS
