Wildfires strike with little warning.
That’s according to the Municipality of Huron Shores, which says being prepared for the possibility can help you protect your home, your family and your community.
The natural hazards are often caused by lightning, human activity or dry conditions.
“While summer is peak season, wildfire risk can exist in any dry period, so it's important to plan for every season,” said the municipality in a news release.
It offers the following tips to prepare:
- Create a 72-hour emergency kit for your household — include water, food, medications, flashlights, and important documents.
- Make an evacuation plan that includes multiple routes and meeting points.
- Clear flammable materials (like leaves and debris) from around your home, deck, and gutters.
- Use fire-resistant landscaping to help reduce risk.
- Stay informed: Follow weather alerts, fire bans, and community updates through official sources.
How You Can Help Prevent Wildfires:
- Obey local fire bans and restrictions — never burn during unsafe conditions.
- Extinguish campfires completely before leaving the site: douse with water, stir, and repeat.
- Dispose of cigarette butts properly — never toss them on the ground or out a vehicle window.
- Avoid using equipment that can spark (like chainsaws or ATVs) during dry, windy weather.
- Report any smoke or fire sightings immediately to local fire services or 9-1-1.
Protect Vulnerable People:
- Make sure seniors, young children, and individuals with mobility issues are part of your emergency plan.
Resources for Vulnerable Residents:
- Ontario Seniors: How to Be Prepared
- This guide provides planning checklists, emergency kit tips, and communication strategies tailored to seniors.
- Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities
- Includes advice for mobility, vision, hearing, and non-visible disabilities, plus kit checklists and contingency planning.
Vulnerable Persons Registry
Do you have a loved one who may need extra help during emergencies due to age, health, or disability? Add them to our Vulnerable Persons Registry to ensure first responders are aware of those who may require assistance during a crisis.
For more information on wildfire preparedness, visit GetPrepared.gc.ca – Wildfires