Tree falls in the forest. Starts forest fire

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

************************* Forest Fire Situation Update - East Fire Region

Two new fires were confirmed today, August 17.

Sudbury 154, was a municipal fire that the Greater Sudbury Fire Department requested assistance with.

Sault Ste. Marie 33 was a fire caused by a downed tree on a power line.

It is classified as not under control but there are no issues anticipated.

Some Ontario fire fighting resources in British Columbia have reached the end of their 14 day tour of duty and are scheduled to return to Ontario today.

With 161 personnel returning to Ontario, this will leave 329 Ontario fire fighting personnel in BC to continue assistance that started August 1.

At the peak of Ontario's support there were 490 forest fire fighters and support staff in British Columiba.

Ontario continues to supply equipment, such as pumps, hose and sprinkler systems for values protection, to Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

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.

To view the current forest fire hazard in your area, click here here to view the fire danger map.

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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