Four wildfires burn in our region

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF
NATURAL RESOURCES

*************************
Forest fire situation update - Northeast Region

On August 23 there were no new fires reported.

As of publication, one new fire has been reported today.

Sudbury 53 is currently listed as not under control, and is less than 0.1 hectare (ha) in size.

Fire hazard

The fire danger rating ranges from low to high.

A majority of the region is experiencing a low hazard, with the only location experiencing a high hazard being the area around and including Missinaibi Provincial Park.

For today, a mix of sun and clouds is expected.

Temperatures should peak in the mid-twenties.

Monday will bring periods of rain and a risk of potentially severe thunderstorms across the region.

Temperatures will be range from the low to mid-twenties.

Regional synopsis

There are currently four active fires, with three located in the far north and being observed.

None are expected to threaten people or values.

To date this season, 168 fires have been confirmed, burning a total of 4,165 ha of land.

Out of province deployment

There are now 413 personnel from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry on assignment in British Columbia (304) and the Northwest Territories (109) to assist in ongoing forest fire management efforts.

Ontario has also provided equipment including 430 power pumps, 41 portable relay tanks, 6,000 lengths of hose and two values protection units to British Columbia.

This map shows the general location of Ontario resources on out-of-province assignments.

Be FireSmart!

Did you know? About 200,000 hectares of forest are burned each year and forest fires can cost millions of dollars to put out.

Often, unattended campfires are the cause.

If you're going camping and plan to have a campfire, please ensure you build a safe campfire.

Keep your campfire small, have water nearby and never leave it unattended.

Once you are finished, make sure your campfire is completely extinguished.

Under the Forest Fires Prevention Act (FFPA), if you start a wildfire, you could be held liable for the costs of suppressing the fire.

For tips on how to Be FireSmart and ensure your campfire is safe, visit here.

For more information about the current fire situation, visit here.

Report forest fires north of the French and Mattawa rivers by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

In southern regions, forest fires can be reported by calling your local fire department.

*************************