Fire Danger Rating | City of Orillia

The City of Orillia monitors fire danger ratings daily from spring through fall. Always check the current rating before starting any open air burning.

Current rating: Low

Open-air burning is permitted under the City of Orillia’s Open-Air Burning By-Law. Fire is unlikely to start or spread beyond control. Considered a good day for outdoor burning but always practice basic fire safety.

No permit is required, but the Open Air Burning By-law sets the rules for recreational fires and must be followed.

Fire danger ratings

Fire danger ratings indicate the risk of wildfires and help guide safe outdoor practices, especially when using campfires or grills. These ratings are determined using the Fire Weather Index (FWI), an internationally recognized system for assessing the risk of open-air fires. It takes into account factors such as humidity, temperature, recent rainfall, wind direction, and wind speed.

Low

Minimal Risk – Generally Safe Conditions

Open-air burning is permitted under the City of Orillia’s Open Air Burning By-law.
Fire are unlikely to start or spread beyond control.
Considered a good day for outdoor burning but always practice basic fire safety.

Moderate

Increased Risk – Stay Alert

Open-air burning is allowed, but caution is required.
Fires can start more easily and may spread under the right conditions
Monitor your fire closely and be prepared to extinguish it quickly.

High

Serious Risk – Use Extreme Caution

Fires ignite easily and spread quickly.
Even small flames can get out of control faster than expected.
Only burn if necessary, and strictly follow all by-law regulations.

Extreme - Fire Ban

No Burning – Critical Conditions

No open-air burning is prohibited.
Fires can start instantly, spread aggressively, and are difficult to contain.
Respect the fire ban to protect people, property, and the environment.

Open-air burning safety

The Open-Air Burning By-law sets the rules for recreational fires.

Respect fire bans and by-laws: Always follow City regulations.

Keep your distance: Small appliances 5 metres from lot lines and 2 metres from structures. Small fires 5 metres from lot lines and structures.

Use only clean, dry wood: Do not use yard waste/brush, treated or painted wood.

Watch the weather: Don’t burn when wind is strong or during a smog alert.

Never leave fires unattended: Stay with your fire until it’s fully extinguished.

Have tools ready: Keep water, a hose, or a fire extinguisher nearby.

Report hazards immediately: Call authorities if you notice signs of wildfire.