1) City of Barrie elevates fire danger rating to extreme, issues fire ban

Courtesy Barrie360.com

By Julius Hern, August 7, 2025

Barrie’s fire danger rating was elevated to extreme Thursday. Image provided by the City of Barrie.

All outdoor burning is now prohibited within Barrie after the local fire danger rating was elevated from high to extreme Thursday.

The City of Barrie says the ban is effective immediately and aims to protect the city from accidental fires due to ongoing dry conditions.

Fire Danger Extreme: All outdoor recreational fires, including those used for cooking, are off limits during the ban. However, rated appliances like propane and natural gas barbecues are still permitted.

Those appliances must be placed on a hard surface, deck, or non-flammable area a significant distance away from combustible materials.

Earlier today, Ramara Township elevated its fire danger rating to extreme and put a fire ban in place.

Barrie‘s fire ban will remain in place until further notice

The lowest daytime high forecast over the next seven days is 27 C on Tuesday, with the highest at 31 C on Sunday

Barrie doesn’t have a forecast of rain above a 30 per cent probability of precipitation over the next week. There’s a slight chance of showers that could come as early as Friday.

Environment Canada says that Barrie received only 13 millimetres of rain in July, much less than the average of 80.

2) Springwater lifts outdoor water ban in select areas, Ramara enacts fire ban

Courtesy Barrie360.com

By Julius Hern, August 7 2025

Hot, dry weather continues for the areas surrounding Barrie, with the fire danger rating at high or extreme in all areas of Simcoe County.

However, Springwater Township lifted its three-week ban on outdoor water usage in some areas. Meanwhile, Ramara Township upgraded its fire danger rating from high to extreme and is now under a total fire ban.

SPRINGWATER

While the fire ban across Springwater Township remains in place, it lifted its water ban implemented July 17 in certain areas.

The ban on outdoor water usage remains in place for residents using the Snow Valley Water System. That includes includes the Snow Valley Highlands, Snow Valley Lowlands, and Centre Vespra.

July’s initial ban was enacted the ban under Bylaw 2017-087. It ensures an adequate level of water that’s available for unexpected emergencies.

Actions against the outdoor water use ban include:

• Filling up of swimming pools, no matter what size
• Watering of existing lawns
• Watering of trees, shrubs, flowers and gardens
• Washing of vehicles
• Use of water toys, waterslides and water sprinklers
• Washing of paved driveways
• Washing of siding and windows
• Watering of new lawns (sod or seed)

Residents living within the township where the ban has been lifted are still under the following restrictions:

• Residents with odd number civic addresses may use outdoor water on odd number calendar days
• Residents with even number civic addresses may use outdoor water on even number calendar days
• Residents may only water greenery, or wash vehicles between the hours of 12 a.m. to 8 a.m. OR 7 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on their scheduled day

A minimum fine of $150 enforced against those who fail to comply. This is under bylaw 2009-042.

Anyone caught in contravention of the fire ban still in place under Schedule C of Bylaw 2019-068 will be fined a minimum of $700. It remains in place until further notice.

RAMARA

Similar to many jurisdictions in the area, Ramara Township has now upgraded its fire danger rating and put a fire ban in place.

No open air burning is allowed during the ban, which includes campfires, bonfires, charcoal barbecues, and fire pits.

Ramara Fire’s website says fires for cooking are only allowed in recognized campgrounds, but all other burning is restricted. 

Oro-Medonte enacted a fire ban Wednesday after pushing its fire danger rating to extreme, citing hot and dry conditions.

FORECAST

Barrie, Springwater, and Oro-Medonte, and Orillia each use weather forecasting from Environment Canada measured from Lake Simcoe Regional Airport.

The lowest daytime high forecast over the next seven days is 27 C on Tuesday, with the highest at 31 C on Sunday

Barrie doesn’t have a forecast of rain above a 30 per cent probability of precipitation over the next week. There’s a slight chance of showers that could come as early as Friday.

Environment Canada says that Barrie received only 13 millimetres of rain in July, much less than the average of 80.

Weather & Storm Watch

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Rainfall Advisory

• Orillia – Lagoon City – Washago
• Midland – Orr Lake – Lagoon City
• Innisfil – NewTecumseth – Essa
• Bracebridge – Gravenhurst
• Port Severn – Port Carling
  
  Current details:
  Heavy rainfall in thunderstorms possible today.
  
  What:
  Locally heavy rainfall with amounts near 50 mm.
  
  When:
  Continuing this afternoon.
  
  Additional information:
  Slow moving showers and thunderstorms will continue to move through the region this afternoon producing locally heavy rainfall amounts. Rainfall warnings may be issued.
  
  For information concerning flooding, please consult your local Conservation Authority or Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources office. Visit Ontario.ca/floods for the latest details.
  
  Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.
  
  Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible.
  
  Heavy rainfall in combination with other weather factors, such as hail, wind and lightning will make outdoor activities unsafe.

Heat Warning

• Barrie – Orillia – Simcoe County
• Parry Sound – Muskoka
• York – Durham
• Toronto

Current details:
Hot and humid conditions beginning Saturday.

What:
Daytime highs near 30 degrees Celsius, with humidex values of 35 to 39.
Overnight lows near 20 degrees Celsius.

When:
Saturday through Monday.

Additional information:
A cooler air mass is expected to arrive Monday evening, bringing an end to this heat event.

Take action to protect yourself and others – extreme heat can affect everyone’s health. Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day.

Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 9-1-1 or your emergency health provider if you, or someone around you, is showing signs of heat stroke which can include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness. While you wait for medical attention, try to cool the person by moving them to a cool place, removing extra clothing, applying cold water or ice packs around the body.

Drink water often and before you feel thirsty to replace fluids.

Close blinds, or shades and open windows if outside is cooler than inside.

Turn on air conditioning, use a fan, or move to a cooler area of your living space. If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library or shaded park.

Follow the advice of your region’s public health authority.

Plan and schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day.

Limit direct exposure to the sun and heat. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.

Never leave people, especially children, or pets inside a parked vehicle. Check the vehicle before locking to make sure no one is left behind.

Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

For more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/climate-change-health/extreme-heat/how-protect-yourself.html https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/climate-change-health/extreme-heat/who-is-at-risk.html