Lightning starts several forest fires

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

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

July 13, 2010

Seven new fires were confirmed on July 12.

Four were reported in the Sault Ste. Marie district, two in the North Bay district and one in the Sudbury district.

All seven fires were caused by lightning and have all been called out except for Sault Ste. Marie 29, which is being held.

There are no issues anticipated.

To view the current forest fire hazard in your area, click here to view the Fire Danger Map.

To view the current forest fire hazard in your area, click here to view the Fire Danger Map.

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.

Campfires should be completely extinguished before leaving and residents, such as berry pickers, who spend time in forested areas should exercise care and caution in order to prevent needless forest fires.

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.

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