Fires in Ontario: What Homeowners Must Know (and Do!)

1️⃣  Why It Matters

A single ember can destroy a dream.

This summer, Ontario has seen an alarming increase in fires — from devastating wildfires scorching the north to heartbreaking cottage and home blazes closer to our communities.

As a Realtor living and working here in Muskoka, I see firsthand how fires affect not just our forests, but our homes, families, and real estate values too.

👉 Why should you care?

  • Fires threaten our health, safety, homes, and investments

  • Insurance premiums are climbing

  • Buyers are asking tougher questions about fire risk when looking at property

Today, we’ll explore how different fires start, how to prevent them, and what this means for Ontario’s housing market — so you can protect your property and your wealth.

 

2️⃣  How Fires Start: The 3 Common Culprits 🔥

✅ Forest Fires (Wildfires)

Wildfires are making headlines — and with good reason. Climate change, dry conditions, and careless human behaviour mean our beautiful forests can ignite quickly.

Common causes:

  • Campfires left unattended

  • Sparks from ATVs and chainsaws

  • Lightning strikes during storms

  • Carelessly discarded cigarettes

Impact on property: Even if your home isn’t directly in the fire’s path, wildfire smoke can damage interiors, drive away renters, and increase insurance rates.

✅ Cottage and Home Fires

In cottage country, fires often start due to:

  • Chimney and woodstove issues 🔥 (improper cleaning, creosote buildup)

  • Electrical problems (older wiring or overloaded circuits)

  • Cooking accidents — especially on outdoor BBQs

  • Heating appliances left unattended

These fires can spread fast in rural areas where emergency services may take longer to arrive.

✅ Garage and Outdoor Fires

  • Improper storage of propane tanks and gasoline

  • Careless disposal of oily rags or combustible materials

  • Fire pits placed too close to decks or structures

 

3️⃣  How You Can Play a Part: Fire Safety Tips for Homeowners

⭐ Here’s how YOU can help reduce risk and keep your property — and community — safe:

🔹 Forest Fire Prevention:

  • Check local burn bans BEFORE lighting campfires

  • Use spark arrestors on ATVs and equipment

  • Never toss cigarette butts outside

🔹 Home & Cottage Fire Prevention:

  • Get your chimney cleaned annually 🔥

  • Install and test smoke and CO detectors

  • Never leave stoves, BBQs, or space heaters unattended

  • Keep fire extinguishers on hand and know how to use them

🔹 Smart Property Design:

  • Maintain a “defensible space” around your property (remove dead vegetation near buildings)

  • Store firewood and propane tanks at a safe distance from your home

  • Ensure clear driveway access for fire trucks

 

4️⃣  The Real Estate Connection: What It Means for Buyers & Sellers

🏡 How fire risk impacts real estate:

🔥 For Sellers:

  • Properties with fire safety features (metal roofs, defensible space, updated wiring) are more attractive

  • Disclosure of past fire incidents is critical

🔥 For Buyers:

  • Insurance premiums may increase in fire-prone areas

  • Lenders may ask for fire-risk assessments

  • Smart buyers are asking tougher due diligence questions

🔥 For Investors:

  • Short-term rentals could suffer if guests feel unsafe

  • Regions impacted by recent wildfires may see reduced demand, at least temporarily

 

5️⃣  Actionable Takeaways: Your Next Steps

✅ What you can do today:

  • Schedule chimney and woodstove inspections

  • Review your insurance coverage for fire risk

  • Create a simple family fire escape plan 🚪

  • Walk your property and identify fire hazards

  • If you own rural or cottage property, learn about “FireSmart” landscaping

 

🔔  Conclusion

Here’s the truth: 🔥 Fires are not just something that happens “somewhere else.”

As we enjoy Muskoka summers, this is our collective responsibility — as homeowners, cottagers, investors, and Realtors.

🏡 Want help understanding fire safety upgrades that can boost your home’s value? Thinking about buying or selling in cottage country?

📞 Let’s chat. We’re here to guide you through it all — so you can “Be where you want to be.” 🌿

 

👩🏻💼 Lisa Selvage | Muskoka Realtor® | Muskoka REALTOR® & Wildlife Watcher

👩🏻💼 Shirlene Johnston | Parry Sound Realtor® | Serving Parry Sound & Beyond

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