Later this month, sections of Toronto’s High Park will be intentionally set on fire – so don’t be alarmed if you see it up in smoke!
The traditional and prescribed burns occur every spring, as part of a long-term management plan to protect the park’s rare Black Oak Savannah trees.
By creating a carefully controlled fire that burns low to the ground, dried leaves, small twigs, and grass stems will be consumed, but leave High Park’s trees and particularly, the Black Oak Savannahs, intact.
As Toronto’s official tree, these oak trees can withstand the controlled burns due to their “thick, fire-resistant bark” according to the City of Toronto.
Historically, Indigenous peoples have used this technique of prescribed burns to maintain fire-dependent ecosystems; in honour of their tradition, the City of Toronto will engage Indigenous representatives to take part in the ceremony.
The burn will occur over the course of one day at several locations in the park.
This annual burn typically occurs in late April, but due to our unseasonably warm winter this year, it is scheduled weeks earlier than usual.
The exact date will be chosen 24 – 48 hours before the burn, which is decided based on the weather and forecast in attempts to reduce the amount of smoke to surrounding neighbourhoods.
On the day of, vehicle access to High Park will be closed, and some areas will be restricted for pedestrians.
Multi-use trails near active burn sites may also be temporarily closed for 30 – 45 minutes between 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.
While the city will do its best to choose a day with optimal conditions, it is possible that some smoke could travel to nearby areas, so take caution if you have asthma or are highly sensitive to smoke.
Before you know it, the park will be blooming with beautiful cherry blossom trees!