Muskoka
and
Georgian Bay
Have a significantly higher wildfire risk than cities with the possibility of fires jumping large distances and from island-to-island.
These structures were not built with fire prevention in mind, in fact, many use highly combustible materials like cedar for roofs, decks, siding etc. In addition, pine, cedar and hemlock trees generate significant fuel annually which can often accumulate on roofs and surrounding the property.
Homeowners should assume they will be without power and that they are on their own to save their structures safely. Even with fire pumps accessible it is often too little too late and can also be highly dangerous for the untrained and poorly equipped.
Wildfire Protection Services have partnered with insurance carriers to offer insurance as well as a reduction in premiums, similar to interior automatic water shut off systems.
The loss of a cottage will not only take a significant mental toll, consume hundreds of hours of work for the homeowner, result in the loss of personal cherished items, but will also take 3-5 years to rebuild (under normal circumstances) and the natural beauty will be irreparably damaged for generations.
The Muskoka and Georgian Bay area are aware of the forest fire threat and have created the website Muskoka Forest Fire Preparedness which has a significant amount of information.
Forest Fire Preparedness
See current forest fire information and know what to do in an emergency event.
Produced by the District of Muskoka’s Geomatics Team in collaboration with Muskoka’s Town and Township Fire Chiefs.
