More than 70 fires burning in Northeastern Ontario

NEWS RELEASES

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

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

May 31, 2010

There is a Restricted Fire Zone in place for Northeastern Ontario.

This restriction includes areas north of the French River to the James Bay coast and from the Quebec border west to the Pic River, including Manitoulin Island.

The Restricted Fire Zone will be in effect until further notice.

All burning permits are suspended and all open air burning, including campfires, is prohibited.

Within a Restricted Fire Zone, campers can still use portable gas or propane cook stoves for cooking and warmth but should exercise extreme caution.

Fireworks are permitted during a Restricted Fire Zone, however, they must be discharged at least 300 metres from a forested area and all residue from the fireworks must be completely extinguished.

A map of the Restricted Fire Zone can be viewed by clicking on this link.

Two new fire starts today to add to the 70 fires now burning in the East Fire Region, 15 are still not under control.

Nine thousand recorded lightning strikes from Wawa to Sudbury and north to Timmins last night will likely create new starts for Tuesday.

Dry conditions will continue.

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.

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

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