Tuesday forest fire update

FOREST FIRE UPDATE

ONTARIO MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

******************** East fire region situation update

Tuesday, July 11, 2006 – 12:00

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Ontario FireRangers assisting western provinces

• three new forest fires yesterday

DETAILS:

There were three new forest fires yesterday: two in Sault Ste. Marie and one in Chapleau.

There are currently six active forest fires in the following areas: Cochrane and Sault Ste. Marie.

All were caused by lightning and no problems are anticipated with these fires.

As of April 1st 2006, there have been 245 forest fires in the East Fire Region.

68 Ontario FireRanger crews, three incident management teams and various overhead staff are currently assisting in the western provinces due to their escalated forest fire activity.

The first wave sent to Alberta will be returning this evening.

In addition, 10 FireRanger crews from the East Fire Region have been sent to the West Fire Region in order to assist with their dry conditions.

The weather is forecasting clear skies will a few clouds over most of the region.

The fire hazard is currently moderate to high.

The Ministry of Natural Resources would like to remind public to use caution with outdoor fires.

Never leave your fire unattended and make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving.

To report a Forest Fire in the East Fire Region please call 1-888-863-FIRE (3473).

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