Traditional and Prescribed BurnThursday, April 23, 2026

A traditional and prescribed burn will be held in High Park on Thursday, April 23, 2026. This burn is part of an ongoing practice to manage and care for the land, specifically aimed at restoring the Black Oak Savannah ecosystem.

The prescribed burn is called “traditional” to honor Indigenous practices on Turtle Island. It is named Biinaakzigewok Anishnaabeg, meaning “responsibility a cleansing fire by all Native Peoples” in Anishinaabemowin.

High Park will be closed to vehicles as of approximately 6:00 am and will reopen early evening. Ignition at High Park is anticipated to commence around 11:30 am. Park users should also expect limited access to trails and pathways adjacent to burn sites during ignition, including the High Park Off-Leash Area trail.

There may be periods of reduced visibility in the local community surrounding the park due to smoke. Residents with asthma or sensitivity to smoke are advised to close windows and refrain from entering the park during the burn.

See the burn notice for more details or visit toronto.ca/PrescribedBurn

Read more about prescribed burns in High Park

Lighting the fire 2018. Photo: Irene Wilk

 

 

Ecology

History

Birds

Mammals

Herps

Fish

Insects

Trees + Shrubs

Wildflowers

Grasses

Wetland Plants

Invasive Plants

Research

Restoration

Volunteer

Maps