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The very first forest fire report of 2010

NEWS RELEASES MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES ************************* Today marks the official start to the 2010 Forest Fire Season. The Forest Fires Prevention Act is the legislation that controls the use of fire.
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NEWS RELEASES

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

************************* Today marks the official start to the 2010 Forest Fire Season.

The Forest Fires Prevention Act is the legislation that controls the use of fire.

This act and its regulations have requirements aimed at reducing forest fires and ensuring public safety.

The act and its regulations spell out safety standards and measures governing the use of fire in the forests and establishes penalties to deter violators and careless users.

310-FIRE (3473) is the new, toll-free emergency forest fire phone number across northern Ontario.

Early detection and reporting are essential to quickly managing forest fires.

Having one number will make it easier and more efficient for Ontarians to report forest fire emergencies.

The number will operate north of the French and Mattawa Rivers.

Although today is the official start to the fire season, there have already been 20 fires to date in the East Fire Region burning over 100 hectares.

Because of the dry conditions, the ministry is urging residents to avoid burning and suggest composting or chipping as alternatives.

There are many municipalities that have implemented fire bans within the East Fire Region.

Please check with your local fire department before burning.

************************* Northern Ontario has a new number to report forest fires

Effective April 1, 310-FIRE (3473) is the new, toll-free emergency forest fire phone number across northern Ontario.

Early detection and reporting are essential to quickly managing forest fires.

Having one number will make it easier and more efficient for Ontarians to report forest fire emergencies.

The number will operate north of the French and Mattawa Rivers.

It is not available for satellite phones or from phones outside the province; calls from these locations should go to local fire departments.

The previous 1-888 forest fire reporting numbers will continue to operate throughout the 2010 fire season to ensure a smooth transition as directories are updated with the new number.

Quick facts

- Forest fire season is in effect from April 1, 2010 to October 31, 2010.

- People in southern Ontario will continue to call 911 or their nearest fire department to report a fire.

- On average, 2,300 fire incidents are reported to Ministry of Natural Resources forest fire offices each year in Ontario.

- 2010 is the 125th anniversary of the province’s first forest fire rangers.

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