Tuesday forest fire report (photo)

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

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

April 27, 2010

There were six new fires in the region on April 26.

Two fires were reported in the Sudbury district.

Sudbury 14 was reported in the Worthington area at six hectares in size and it is listed as being held.

Sudbury 15 (shown) was a municipal fire in the town of Espanola where Air Attack assistance was requested by the municipality.

There was also one fire reported in each of the Kemptville, North Bay, Cochrane and Chapleau districts.

These fires were all under one hectare in size and there are no problems anticipated.

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.

The current forest fire hazard is high to extreme throughout the entire East Fire Region.

The hazard will continue to be high until the weekend when rain is expected to enter the region and decrease the fire hazard.

Residents or cottagers conducting spring clean up should consider composting or chipping instead of burning.

Always remember to contact your local fire department or municipal office before burning.

So far this year in the East Fire Region, there have been 58 fires burning nearly 229 hectares.

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.

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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