The City of Toronto announced on Monday that it’s planning on setting fire to High Park in late April — and residents might feel the burn.
A yearly practice in High Park since 2000, this traditional and prescribed burn is part of the city’s long-term management to help restore and protect the rare Black Oak Savannah ecosystem.
These fires aren’t wild by any means — burning low to the ground to clear out any excess debris that litters the forest floor like dried leaves, twigs, and grass stems. The city also hires a Fire Boss and crew to deal with the technical aspects of setting and controlling the fire.
As a fire-dependent ecosystem, this traditional Indigenous practice actually helps the area’s fauna grow stronger than they otherwise would without the fire. It also reduces the species that aren’t adapted to this ecosystem with repeated fire use.
The city is collaborating with the Indigenous Land Stewardship Circle and Elder Henry Pitawanakwat to recentre Indigenous knowledge and ceremony. This burn holds the name of Biinaakzigewok Anishnaabeg — meaning “the responsibility for a cleansing fire by all Native Peoples” in Anishinaabemowin.
High Park is home to approximately 29 hectares of fragmented savannah and oak woodland, making it the most significant area of remaining prairie and savannah plant communities in Toronto.
While the fires are ongoing, park access will be restricted around the burn zones and High Park will be close to vehicles. City staff will be onsite to help answer questions and direct people around the affected areas.
There is no planned date for the burn by the city just yet, as the burns are dependent on weather conditions to reduce the effect on the surrounding neighbourhoods.
But, once the optimal conditions are expected, there will be a 24 to 48 hour notice put out based on the forecast.
The affected areas of the parks are now available on the city’s website, with High Park getting the first burn in the late morning, followed by the South Humber Park burn in the afternoon.
Smoke won’t be the first sign of the fire, as the city will plaster notices and signs at the park entrances and in the surrounding community to ensure the safety of the public.
Those with asthma or sensitive to poison ivy should steer clear of the smoke and stay inside with the windows closed, or make plans to leave the general area the day of the burn.
