A Gravenhurst man has been fined more than $5,700 after unsafe burning practices led to a wildland fire that spread near cottages in Gravenhurst, according to an Ontario court ruling.
Gravenhurst resident Geoffrey Larden pleaded guilty to failing to tend a fire under the Forest Fires Prevention Act and was ordered to pay the province $5,716.82 as partial compensation for fire suppression costs.
The Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge heard that the wildland fire was first reported on Aug. 4, 2025, adjacent to a cottage on Gull Lake. No one was present at the property at the time.
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Fire crews from Gravenhurst initially responded and began suppression efforts before an airborne crew from the Ministry of Natural Resources took over the response.
A subsequent investigation found that on July 31, Larden had burned wood debris directly on the forest floor rather than in a designated fire pit.
After the burn, he poured water on the area before leaving the property on Aug. 3.
However, a forensic investigation by the Ministry of Natural Resources concluded the fire remained in a state of sustained combustion beneath the surface.
Between July 31 and Aug. 4, hot and dry weather conditions contributed to heightened fire risk. By Aug. 4, fire weather indices had reached extreme levels, creating favourable conditions for the fire to spread out of control.
Witness accounts from nearby residents and cottagers also supported the findings.
On August 4, the fire intensified and spread beyond the initial burn site, threatening nearby cottages and causing a power outage affecting part of the lake area. Fire crews worked to contain the blaze before it could spread further.
Authorities continue to remind residents that even small, unattended or improperly extinguished fires can reignite under dry and windy conditions, particularly during periods of elevated fire danger.
