Toronto, ON – The City of Toronto has announced plans to conduct a prescribed burn in High Park in late April, a practice aimed at revitalizing the rare Black Oak Savannah ecosystem. This controlled burn, an annual event since 2000, is a critical component of the city’s long-term ecological management strategy.

unlike uncontrolled wildfires, these prescribed burns are carefully managed to clear excess debris such as dried leaves, twigs, and grass from the forest floor. The city employs a dedicated Fire Boss and crew to oversee the technical aspects of setting and maintaining the fire, ensuring it remains contained and achieves its ecological goals.

These burns 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.

The Black Oak Savannah is a fire-dependent ecosystem, meaning that periodic fires are essential for its health and biodiversity. According to a city report, these fires promote the growth of native plant species while suppressing non-native species that are not adapted to fire. This process strengthens the overall ecosystem,fostering a more resilient and diverse habitat for local wildlife.

Such as,in the American Midwest,similar prescribed burns are used to manage prairie ecosystems,benefiting native grasses and wildflowers while controlling invasive species like buckthorn and honeysuckle. These burns are frequently enough conducted in the spring or fall,mimicking natural fire cycles and promoting healthy plant growth.

Indigenous collaboration and cultural Meaning

This year’s prescribed burn is especially important due to the city’s collaboration with the Indigenous Land Stewardship Circle and Elder Henry Pitawanakwat. This partnership aims to recenter indigenous knowledge and ceremony in the management of High Park,acknowledging the long-standing relationship between Indigenous peoples and the land.

The burn is named Biinaakzigewok Anishnaabeg, which, in Anishinaabemowin, means “the responsibility for a cleansing fire by all Native Peoples.” This name reflects the deep cultural and spiritual significance of fire as a tool for renewal and stewardship.

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.

Across the United States, many land management agencies are increasingly incorporating Indigenous conventional ecological knowledge (TEK) into their practices. Such as, the U.S. Forest Service has partnered with various tribes to implement prescribed burns that align with both ecological and cultural objectives. These collaborations recognise the invaluable insights that Indigenous communities hold regarding fire management and ecosystem health.

The Importance of High Park’s Black Oak Savannah

High Park is home to approximately 29 hectares of fragmented savannah and oak woodland,representing the most significant remaining prairie and savannah plant communities in Toronto. These ecosystems are biodiversity hotspots, supporting a wide range of plant and animal species, some of which are rare or endangered.

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.

The Black Oak Savannah is particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation due to urbanization and fire suppression.Prescribed burns help to maintain the open, sunny conditions that these ecosystems require, preventing the encroachment of forests and promoting the growth of native grasses and wildflowers.

In the U.S., similar oak savannah ecosystems are found in states like wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota.These areas have also faced significant challenges due to fire suppression and habitat fragmentation,leading to declines in biodiversity and ecosystem health. Prescribed burns are increasingly used to restore and maintain these valuable ecosystems.

Public Access and Safety Measures

During the prescribed burns, access to the affected areas of High Park will be restricted, and vehicle traffic will be prohibited. City staff will be present to answer questions and guide people around the burn zones.

The exact date of the burn is weather-dependent. The city will issue a 24- to 48-hour notice based on weather forecasts to minimize the impact on surrounding neighborhoods.

There is no planned date for the burn by the city just yet,as the burns are dependent on weather conditions to reduce the affect 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.

Details on the specific areas affected by the burns is available on the city’s website, with high Park scheduled for the first burn in the late morning, followed by South Humber Park in the afternoon.

Residents will be alerted to the upcoming burn through notices and signs placed at park entrances and throughout the surrounding community.

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.

Individuals with asthma or sensitivities to poison ivy are advised to avoid the smoke and remain indoors with windows closed, or to consider leaving the area during the burn.

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.

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides guidelines for managing smoke from prescribed burns, including recommendations for public notification and air quality monitoring. These guidelines aim to protect public health and minimize the impacts of smoke on sensitive populations.