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Skip Navigation LinksSimcoe County > Corporate Communications > County confirms controlled burn in Tosorontio Tract on May 16 and into May 17
Press Release

County confirms controlled burn in Tosorontio Tract on May 16 and into May 17

 

Midhurst/May 15, 2019 – On May 16 and 17, the County of Simcoe is executing a controlled burn on 40 hectares (100 acres) of County Forests within the Tosorontio Tract in the Township of Adjala Tosorontio (west of Base Borden and near the western boundary of Simcoe County).

A highly experienced company has been retained to plan and conduct the burn, and trained personnel will be on site until the fire is completely extinguished. The impact of the smoke will be minimized by burning under specific wind and atmospheric conditions, however there will be times when large amounts of low-lying smoke will be present. At other stages in the operation, a very large smoke column protruding hundreds of feet into the atmosphere may be seen for many miles. There is no cause for alarm, as this is all part of normal operations for the type of fuels being burned. The County does not anticipate any road closures or any major impact or disruption to local residents.

While controlled burns differ from wildfires in that they are managed by professionals to control their duration and smoke exposure to the public, concerns can arise regarding the potential health implications. Smoke exposure may pose a risk for more vulnerable individuals such as children, seniors, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize your exposure to smoke:

  • If you live close to the controlled burn site and have chronic health conditions such as asthma or chronic lung disease, you may wish to minimize your exposure by staying indoors during the burn. If you have health concerns, please follow up with your health care provider
  • If you have concerns regarding exposure to smoke while outdoors, consider reducing your outdoor activities near the affected area
  • To help reduce smoke in your homes and businesses, keep windows and doors closed

Public questions and inquiries can be directed to our County Forestry Department by contacting Customer Service at 1-800-263-3199. More information about the controlled burn can be found at https://www.simcoe.ca/Forestry/Pages/Controlled-Burns.aspx.

The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.

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CONTACTS

Chris Hedley
Public Relations Consultant
County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Branch
705-726-9300 ext. 1030
705-715-7654 (mobile)
Chris.Hedley@simcoe.ca

Collin Matanowitsch
Manager, Public Relations
County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Branch
705-726-9300 ext. 1430
705-734-8386 (mobile)
 Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca