Four new wild fires confirmed in the region

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF
NATURAL RESOURCES

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Forest fire situation update - Northeast Region

Four new fires were confirmed on August 3.

By the time of this report, no new fires have been confirmed for August 4.

Fire hazard

The southern and most of the northern portion of the region are at a low to moderate hazard, while the central area is seeing a low hazard.

The far north is considered to be at a moderate to high hazard.

Today, we can expect to see isolated showers for most of the region.

Showers and a risk of thunderstorms exists for the southern portion of the region, while some areas in the central portion of the region can expect a mix of sun and clouds.

Regional synopsis

There are two fires currently active in Cochrane and are being observed.

Sault Ste. Marie 15 is under control at 0.1 hectares (ha) and is located between North Mckinnon Lake and South Mckinnon Lake.

No problems anticipated for suppression.

Sault Ste. Marie 13 is out at 0.2 ha, while Sault Ste. Marie 14 and Timmins 13 are out at 0.1 ha.

To date this season, 137 fires have been confirmed, burning a total of 4,080.2 ha of land.

Out of province deployment

There are now 365 personnel from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry on assignment in British Columbia (263) and the Northwest Territories (102) to assist in ongoing forest fire management efforts.

Ontario had 32 fire rangers and two overhead staff members return from the Northwest Territories yesterday.

Today, Ontario is sending out two CL415 water bombing aircrafts and one Birddog aircraft with an air Air Attack Officer to the Northwest Territories.

Ontario has also provided equipment including 400 power pumps, 2,000 lengths of hose and two values protection units to British Columbia.

Be FireSmart!

Did you know? About 200,000 hectares of forest are burned each year and forest fires can cost millions of dollars to put out.

Often, unattended campfires are the cause.

If you're going camping and plan to have a campfire, please ensure you build a safe campfire.

Keep your campfire small, have water nearby and never leave it unattended.

Once you are finished, make sure your campfire is completely extinguished.

Under the Forest Fires Prevention Act (FFPA), if you start a wildfire, you could be held liable for the costs of suppressing the fire.

For tips on how to Be FireSmart and ensure your campfire is safe, visit here.

For more information about the current fire situation, visit here.

Report forest fires north of the French and Mattawa rivers by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

In southern regions, forest fires can be reported by calling your local fire department.

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