The West Parry Sound region’s Fire Danger rating was pushed to ‘High’ on Thursday.
Gord Harrison, West Parry Sound Fire Coordinator, says for most places that means canceling all fire permits. Campfires for cooking and warmth are still permitted, but residents are advised to check with their local jurisdictions and local authorities before they have a fire.
“I know it seems strange that we’d be going to high when it’s been such a wet season, but it really doesn’t take long when you have sunshine and wind to dry things out. The other complication is right now, the leaves aren’t out so you don’t have the tree canopies,” he says.
Harrison says canopies often act to keep the moisture in, so until the leaves bud, we can expect to be going into a high rating much faster than we would at other times of the year.
Looking at the forecast, he says the region will probably stay at the rating until next week.
“If we get the forecasted rain next weekend, then we should be able to drop the fire danger rating, but right now it’s just wait and see,” he says.
Harrison says as people going out and enjoying the weather are more than welcome to have a fire, but just be careful, and keep it small. And if it’s windy, try not to have a fire, and just make sure you put it out once done.