Forest fire season begins in earnest

FOREST FIRE UPDATE

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

************************** New fires

It was quite an active day yesterday with a total of 22 new fires actioned in the past 24 hours.

These fires occurred in the Chapleau (4), Cochrane (2), Dryden (3), Fort Frances (2), Greenstone (1), Haliburton (1), Kenora (1), North Bay (3), Timmins (3), and Wawa (2) areas.

Most of the fires were caused by trees falling across hydro lines, from strong winds setting off fires where fuels were dry.

High winds also fanned fires resulting in moderate to high fire behaviour on several fires.

Most fires in the eastern sectors required coordinated air and ground attack with follow up support.

Fires to note

Ontario FireRangers are assisting the municipality of Cochrane with a grass fire that is now 22 hectares in size.

Timmins Fire 4 crossed Highway 144 resulting in OPP having to temporarily close the highway.

Ongoing fires Most fires have been contained.

Overnight and forecasted rainfall will assist firefighters in containing all fires that occurred yesterday.

The fire hazard will remain low across the province today and into the long weekend.

Browse our website (Ontario.ca/fireprevention) for FireSmart tips for safe burning practices.

Please take all necessary precautions when working or participating in recreational activities in forested areas.

Be careful with all outdoor fires, including brush fires and campfires this year.

Be FireSmart! Preparedness planning: fire

Spring training and hiring of Fire Ranger crews ongoing in both regions.

Air tankers and helicopters have begun their seasonal assignments.

All aircraft resources will be in place over the next several weeks.

Preparedness planning:Smoke

No issues reported.

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