Sadly, it is only May and we already have a very serious situation of fire risk in the area. We are currently under a “HIGH” risk of fire, according to the MNRF. That translates to MNRF guidance of: “Serious danger of fire – No open burning except contained campfires for cooking and warmth – Fireworks prohibited.” Kinda puts a damper, so to speak, on some of the long weekend activities. Please be careful out there. Only burn if you must for warmth and cooking. Maybe forgo the chainsawing or other potential spark generators for another time. Please spread the word because not everyone is on Facebook. Thanks. Be safe, have fun. Same conditions are impacting people all up and down the bay. Here is an article from Georgian Bay Association.
Fire Ban Lifted effective 2023-07-11 16:00
The Restricted Fire Zone previously in place for the entire Fire Region of Ontario has been lifted, effective Tuesday, July 11, at 16:00 hrs. Killarney and French River Provincial Park have also lifted their fire bans.
The fire danger rating is presently Moderate for our area.The usual set of rules such as time-of-day restrictions remain in effect:- https://www.ontario.ca/page/outdoor-fire-rules-and-permits- https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/frenchriver/alerts- http://municipalityofkillarney.ca/
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry would like to thank Ontarians and visitors for doing their part to help prevent forest fires and keep communities safe. Please continue to use extreme caution and follow Ontario’s Outdoor Fires Regulations when having an outdoor fire.
Lifting the RFZ does not mean we can let our guard down when it comes to preventing human-caused fires. We all need to remain vigilant and keep safety top of mind when having outdoor fires. The overall fire danger can change rapidly based on the daily weather resulting in low to moderate fire danger one day, followed by high to extreme hazard the next simply based on the surface forest fuels drying out quickly, leading to fires starting easily and higher rates of fire spread under the right burning conditions.
Stay alert and be informed of the fire hazard near you on the public forest fire information map at Ontario.ca/forestfire. You can also follow us on Twitter: @ONforestfires for up-to-date information on the fire situation.
Important Announcement: Restricted Fire Zone Declared in Ontario
In addition to the fire ban imposed by the Municipality of Killarney on May 29: Due to the extreme forest fire hazard, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has declared a Restricted Fire Zone for the entire fire region of Ontario. This means that open air burning, including campfires, is not permitted. Portable gas or propane stoves may be used for cooking and warmth BUT must be handled with extreme caution. All burning permits are suspended. Visit Ontario.ca/forestfire for updates.
Ontario has already experienced a staggering 276 forest fires this year, well above the 10-year average of 203 for the entire season!
Climate change plays a significant role in this concerning trend. As our planet warms, we witness more frequent and intense heatwaves and droughts, creating the perfect conditions for wildfires to ignite and spread rapidly. The implications go beyond forest fires and extend to other outdoor activities we cherish. Here's how climate change affects some of our favourite pursuits:
🔥 Forest Fires: Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns dry out vegetation, turning forests into tinderboxes. This poses a significant threat to wildlife habitats and nearby communities. Let's prioritize fire safety, follow the Restricted Fire Zone guidelines, and support initiatives aimed at preventing and managing forest fires.
🎣 Fishing: Climate change impacts aquatic ecosystems, altering water temperatures and disrupting the delicate balance of marine life. Fish populations may decline, affecting the availability and diversity of species for fishing enthusiasts. It's crucial to practice sustainable fishing methods and support conservation efforts to protect our favourite pastime.
🌊 Boating: Climate change influences our lakes and water bodies in various ways. Rising water temperatures can lead to harmful algal blooms, affecting water quality and harming aquatic organisms. Additionally, changing weather patterns may result in more severe storms, posing risks to boaters. Let's prioritize water conservation, responsible boating practices, and be aware of weather conditions for safe and enjoyable experiences.
🦌 Hunting: Climate change affects wildlife populations and their habitats, influencing the availability and behaviour of game species. Shifts in migration patterns and disruptions in food availability can impact hunting opportunities. As responsible hunters, let's adapt to changing conditions, support habitat conservation, and practice sustainable hunting methods.
🛷 Snowmobiling: Warmer temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns can lead to unpredictable snow conditions and reduced snowfall in certain regions. These changes can affect the availability and quality of snowmobiling trails, making it harder to enjoy this exhilarating activity. Less snow coverage and thinner ice on frozen lakes can pose safety risks as well.
It's crucial that we acknowledge the link between climate change and the increasing frequency of forest fires. By raising awareness, taking action to reduce our carbon footprint, and supporting initiatives promoting environmental sustainability, we can work together to protect our beloved outdoor activities and preserve the beauty of Ontario's natural heritage for generations to come.
In 2022, the KRAA contributed financially to an effort by Professor Mike Waddington to begin soil restoration after the devastating PS33 fire of 2018. A test plot was selected in Sand Bay, and work was scheduled to begin in the summer of 2022. The following update was provided by Alan Burke, former board member of the KRAA, on the progress of Professor Waddington’s efforts:
The 2022 season started with high hopes and ended with the realization that this work is a long process and patience is necessary.By July, covid restrictions on site work were lifted, so Mike and his team were able to finalize their plans for testing ways to fast track moss and soil recovery, with strategies that can be expanded to other locations.However, weather stepped in, with a lack of precipitation in August and September. This made the harvested moss too dry to transplant – and so the season ended before better conditions returned.Now, with the 2023 season upon us, the process picks up with plans for extensive work in the spring, once the ice is out but the moss is still damp. The team is likely to stay on our property from time to time as the work progresses.As for KRAA donations to this work, Mike says that he is not in need of more money at this point, as he will be applying last year’s cheque to this year’s work.
Update on Dr Waddington's work from Alan Burke
FIRE BAN IN EFFECT IMMEDIATELY - July 19, 2022
The Municipality of Killarney declares IMMEDIATE FIRE BAN
Effective immediately, Fire Chief Robert Campbell of the Killarney Volunteer Fire Department has declared a FIRE BAN on all open fires and burning (including incinerators, cooking, and warmth due to the dry conditions.This notice also cancels all burning permits until further notice.
NO FIREWORKS
Please keep your yards clean and free of debris that may be flammable during these dry conditions. This FIRE BAN will remain in effect until further notice.
Please Note: Killarney Provincial Park and French River Provincial Park may not be on Fire Ban.
Effective immediately, the fire ban in Ward 2 is lifted.
For more information, visit Killarney's website.
The Municipality of Killarney declares immediate Fire Ban in Ward 2 effective 13 May 2022.
Effective immediately, Fire Chief Robert Campbell of the Killarney Volunteer Fire Department has declared a “Fire Ban” in Ward 2 on all open fires and burning (including incinerators and cooking and warmth) due to the dry conditions.
This notice also cancels all burning permits in Ward 2 until further notice.
NO FIREWORKS
Please keep your yards clean and free of any debris that may be flammable during these dry conditions.
This “Fire ban” will remain in effect until further notice.
Please note that Ontario Parks and Ontario NDMNRF have different regulations.
For more information, see the official announcement: http://municipalityofkillarney.ca/images/support/municipal/notices/Fire-Ban-in-Ward-2-May-2022.pdf
The Georgian Bay Association is hosting a series of webinars about the extreme water levels which we have experienced in recent years.
The Georgian Bay Association (GBA) and Georgian Bay Forever’s Extreme Water Levels: Impacts and Strategies Webinar Series is a collection of webinars aimed at answering those questions, providing strategies to adapt your property and your budget, and raising awareness about the extremes and variabilities that will impact the ecosystem and your family’s enjoyment of your favourite place on the Bay.
Sign up on the Georgian Bay website here: https://georgianbay.ca/h20-2021/
Tuesday, September 21, 2021 - 3:00 pm
The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (NDMNRF) – Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook is in effect until Friday September 24, 2021. This message will affect residents within the NDMNRF Parry Sound District which includes the District Municipality of Muskoka, the Territorial District of Parry Sound and a north-west portion in the County of Haliburton.
For full details, see: https://kraa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/20210921_ParrySoundMuskoka_FloodOutlook.pdf
THE KRAA FIRE AND SAFETY COMMITTEE IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE INCREDIBLE DISCOUNTS FOR KRAA MEMBERS ON ESSENTIAL FIRE PREVENTION EQUIPMENT!!!
As an incentive for KRAA members to have the latest in essential fire protection equipment, Home Hardware Building Centre Aurora is offering KRAA members substantial discounts (in the range of 15-20%) on fire extinguishers, smoke and CO alarms etc. For example, a 1A fire extinguisher normally priced at $37.99, is being offered at $31.00.
Plus, Home Hardware Building Centre Aurora is giving discounts on many items on the Home Hardware website: www.homehardware.ca.
These incredible deals are being offered because Home Hardware Building Centre Aurora is owned and operated by Russ Barfitt, a KRAA member and PS-33 wildfire property survivor.
For those who can't easily get to Aurora, Russ is willing to bring smaller items up to the Key for delivery.
All told, this is an opportunity that shouldn't be missed.
So, have a look at your fire prevention needs, give Home Hardware Building Centre Aurora a call or email Russ (russbarfitt@rogers.com). Mention that you're a KRAA member (we're in their system), order your fire-fighting equipment – and, while you're at it, get whatever else you need.
Home Hardware Building Centre Aurora is located at 289 Wellington Street East, Aurora, Ontario, L4G 6H6.
Phone/text: (905) 727-4751. Fax: (905) 727-4813.
email: lumber@aurorahomehardware.ca.