The County of Simcoe will be conducting a controlled burn on approximately 5 hectares (12.5 acres) within the County Forest ‘Nottawasaga Tract’ located at 793455 County Road 124 in the Township of Clearview. The burn may take place as early as conditions allow in May and is expected to be completed within one day. The exact timing will depend on site and weather conditions and cannot be confirmed with absolute certainty until 12-24 hours in advance.
This controlled burn is being carried out largely in response to the lingering effects of the 2025 ice storm, which left significant debris and brush following the salvage of damaged trees. This material poses a fire hazard and limits the ability to access the site to enable reforestation. A controlled burn will help remove this excess debris and support the restoration of the forest’s natural ecosystem over time. The property will be replanted and remain part of the County’s 34,000 acres of municipal forest.
Lands and Forests Consulting (LFC), who provides highly trained and experienced personnel, has been contracted to conduct the burn, as they have done previously for Simcoe County Forestry. Smoke impacts will be minimized by burning only under specific wind and atmospheric conditions. Smoke will disperse to the NE, E, or SE for the duration of the operation and possibly into the next day. At certain stages of the operation, a visible smoke column may be observed from several kilometres away. This is normal for this type of operation, and there is no cause for alarm. The County does not anticipate any road closures or significant disruption to residents.
While controlled burns differ from wildfires in that they are carefully planned and managed by trained professionals, some residents may have concerns about potential health impacts from smoke. Smoke exposure can pose greater risks for vulnerable individuals, including children, seniors, and those with pre‑existing respiratory conditions. The following steps may help reduce exposure:
- Residents living near the burn area who have chronic health conditions such as asthma or chronic lung disease may wish to remain indoors during the operation. Anyone with health concerns should follow guidance from their health care provider.
- If smoke is present outdoors, consider reducing or avoiding outdoor activities in and around the affected area.
- To limit smoke entry into homes and businesses, keep windows and doors closed.
County Council approved the Simcoe County Forest Management Plan in 2011, which guides forest management practices through 2030. The plan recognizes fire as a natural and historically significant process that influences forest composition, structure, and regeneration. Controlled burning continues to be used as a key management tool, and this burn forms part of a long‑term strategy to enhance and maintain the forest ecosystem.
Controlled burns are common across Ontario and Canada, and Simcoe County has successfully conducted similar operations in the past. Most recently, controlled burns took place in 2020 in the Packard Tract (Essa Township) and in 2021 in the Tosorontio Tract (Township of Adjala-Tosorontio).
