Two new forest fires in Sault Ste. Marie area

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

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

June 1, 2010

There is a Restricted Fire Zone in place for Northeastern Ontario.

This restriction includes areas north of the French River to the James Bay coast and from the Quebec border west to the Pic River including Manitoulin Island.

The Restricted Fire Zone will be in effect until further notice.

All burning permits are suspended and all open air burning, including campfires, is prohibited.

Within a Restricted Fire Zone, campers can still use portable gas or propane cook stoves for cooking and warmth but should exercise extreme caution.

Fireworks are permitted during a Restricted Fire Zone, however, they must be discharged at least 300 metres from a forested area and all residue from the fireworks must be completely extinguished.

A map of the Restricted Fire Zone can be viewed by clicking on this link.

There were six new fires confirmed in the East Fire Region on May 31.

Three fires were confirmed in the Sudbury district, two in the Sault Ste. Marie district and one in the North Bay district.

Nine fires have been confirmed so far on June 1.

Of those nine fires, four have been confirmed in the Sudbury district, two in the Sault Ste. Marie district, two in the Timmins district and one in the North Bay district.

All new fires, so far on June 1, are one hectare or less in size and there are no problems anticipated.

Suppression efforts on Wawa 18 continue and good progress is being made on the fire.

Perimeter fire guards have been constructed using hose lines and heavy equipment.

Recent weather has provided some relief and will allow good progress on line consolidation around the fire.

MNR has enabled Hydro One power line crews to complete the repair of damaged transmission lines and restore power to the town of Chapleau.

Ten Initial Attack and four Type-2 crews are assigned to Wawa 18.

An Emergency Area Order remains in effect for the area surrounding Wawa 18.

Under the order, MNR is prohibiting travel on the following roads: Much Lake Road within the EAO area starting 1 km south of Provincial Hwy. 101; Ripple Lake Road; Shakashi Road; Bluff Lake Road; Jackpine River Road; and Jackpine Road.

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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