Friday forest fire update

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

***************************** One new fire was confirmed on June 17. 

Cochrane 28, south of Attawapiskat, is being held at 0.7 hectares.

On June 14, 16 and 17, fire rangers and staff departed for Quebec to assist with the fire situation there.

Good progress continues on Wawa 18 which is listed as under control. 

An emergency area order has been lifted and previous travel restrictions in place for Ripple Lake Road and Bluff Lake Road have also been lifted.

If you light a campfire ensure it is tended with extreme care.

Keep your campfires small, never leave them unattended and ensure they are completely extinguished before leaving.

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.

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