Friday forest fire report

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

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

April 16, 2010

There have been three new fires in the East Fire Region since April 12.

Sudbury 10, Sault Ste. Marie 5 and Parry Sound 2 have all been called out.

April 18th to 24th is Wildfire Prevention Week.

This year’s theme is Wildfires Cost You.

Due to low snowfall amounts and warm, dry weather in March, many areas of Ontario are snow free.

Wind can quickly turn grass and brush burns into wildfires.

With the spring weather, many people begin cleaning dead vegetation and debris from their homes, camps and cottages.

Composting, chipping or removal to approved disposal facilities are safer options than burning.

If found responsible for a wildfire, a person can be charged under the Forest Fires Prevention Act and/or be liable for the costs of suppressing the fire.

Suppression costs can easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars. Additionally, neighbours that suffered loss of values due to fire may seek compensation.

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources responds to an average of 1160 wildfires per year.

Municipalities across Ontario respond to hundreds more.

So far this year in the East Fire Region, there have been 34 fires burning over 209 hectares.

Be FireSmart and remember, only you can prevent wildfires. Visit ontario.ca/fireprevention for more information.

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.

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