The City of Toronto is conducting its annual traditional and prescribed burn Tuesday in designated areas of High Park.

A traditional and prescribed burn is a deliberately set and carefully controlled fire. Fire-dependent ecosystems, such as Black Oak savannahs, contain rare native prairie plants that respond positively to burning and grow more vigorously. These burns are a part of the City’s long-term management plan to restore and protect rare Black Oak woodlands and savannahs in Toronto’s High Park, South Humber Park and Lambton Park.

Previously referred to as a “prescribed” burn, it is now referenced as a “traditional and prescribed” burn in order to use more welcoming wording to honour the traditional practice of Indigenous people.

Portions of some multi-use trails will be temporarily closed to cyclists and pedestrians for 30 to 45 minutes between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Signs will be posted to redirect park users to an alternate route.

During traditional and prescribed burns, city staff are onsite to ensure the safety of the public and wildlife, and can provide information about the burn. Park users should be prepared for restricted access to areas near burn sites, including temporary road and trail closures.

Smoke from burns will rise and dissipate in ideal conditions, however, weather changes could cause smoke to drift and impact residential areas near the park.