Forest fire reported in Searchmont area

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

************************* Forest fire situation update - East Fire Region

May 4, 2010

Five new fires were confirmed on May 3.

North Bay 12, 13 and 14 are all under one hectare in size and are not under control.

Sault Ste. Marie 7, east of Searchmont, is being held at 0.3 hectares.

Sudbury 22, north of Chelmsford, is under control at 4.2 hectares.

Click here to view the active fires map.

Even with some precipitation across the East Fire Region, the first lightning fire has been reported.

This indicates that the central portions of our region are very receptive to fire.

Residents or cottagers conducting spring clean up should consider composting or chipping instead of burning.

Always remember to contact your local fire department or municipal office before burning.

Residents are reminded that if found responsible for a forest fire, they can be charged under the Forest Fires Prevention Act and/or be liable for the costs of suppressing the fire.

This cost can easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars.

So far this year in the East Fire Region, there have been 78 fires burning nearly 337 hectares.

Be FireSmart, visit here for more information on how to prevent forest fires.

310-FIRE (3473) is the new, toll-free emergency forest fire reporting 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.

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