Sault fire hazard remains high (updated)

11 a.m. update

The Sault and area is currently experiencing hot, dry conditions, but as of Monday morning, no local fire ban has been issued by Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services.   

"Right now everything is status quo," said Kathy Swinn of Sault Fire Services, speaking to SooToday.

"If the MNR were to issue a ban we would put one on as well, but there is (currently) no burning ban," Swinn said.

Anyone planning to burn items such as grass and wood debris is still, of course, urged to exercise caution.

Fires should never be left unattended, and water and proper equipment must be on hand to ensure fires are extinguished when burning is complete.

The following is a release issued yesterday from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry:

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As of the early afternoon of July 26, two new fires have been confirmed in the region in the previous 24 hours.

Sudbury 41 has since been declared out, and Wawa 8 is not under control at 0.1 hectares.

There are 12 fires currently active in the region, a majority of which are being observed in the far north.

Sudbury 38 is now being held and this lightning-caused fire remains 23.6 hectares in size.

Today's forest fire hazard ranges from low to extreme, with Sudbury experiencing a high hazard along with Sault Ste. Marie and other central parts of the region.

Manitoulin Island is currently experiencing an extreme hazard.

Out of Province

A number of personnel have returned from western deployments, leaving 174 fire management personnel from Ontario in the following locations - Alberta (2), British Columbia (109), Saskatchewan (63).

Ontario is also providing equipment including fire hose, sprinkler kits, pumps and chainsaws to Alberta, British Columbia, Parks Canada and Saskatchewan.

The Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services program is reminding people that they are responsible for safe outdoor fire management and must follow guidelines set out in the Forest Fires Prevention Act of Ontario including no day burning of brush or grass fires.

Campfires are to be tended at all times and put out before leaving.

For further tips on how to be FireSmart, visit: ontario.ca/firesmart

For more information about the current fire situation and the active fires map: ontario.ca/forestfire

The Northeast Region Fire Information Hotline is available for general information updates: 1-888-357-8422.

Report forest fires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

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