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)
The water ban been lifted for parts of Springwater but remains in effect for anyone on the Snow Valley Water System. The fire ban remains in effect for all of the Township of Springwater. https://t.co/ibjr6kbkNo pic.twitter.com/KX69cydybp
— Springwater Township (@springwatertwp) August 7, 2025
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.
Reminder that Springwater is under a total fire ban due to very dry conditions. Yesterday crews attended a grass fire and got it stopped before it got into the forest area. Today crews attended a field fire, which was started from a vehicle’s hot exhaust, spreading quickly. pic.twitter.com/lG60LErTRL
— Springwater Fire (@SpringwaterFIRE) July 29, 2025
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.
🚨 COMPLETE FIRE BAN IN EFFECT 🚨
— Ramara Fire & Rescue (@ramarafire) August 7, 2025
As of 8am today (August 7), a total fire ban is in place for the Township of Ramara.
🛑 No open burning allowed — this includes campfires, bonfires, charcoal BBQs, and fire pits.
☎️ To report a burning complaint call 705-484-5374 ext. 253 pic.twitter.com/fLHg4lqwrJ
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.
