Update on regional forest fire situation

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

************************* Northeast Region - May 6, 2011

A total of four new forest fires have been reported in the Northeast Region since May 2, keeping Fire Rangers busy in the districts of Timmins and Sault Ste Marie.

The Ministry of Natural Resources Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services program provided support to municipalities, providing Fire Ranger crews and helicopter water bucketing to help local fire departments contain fires. Grass fires continue to be the main type of fire being reported.

Currently there are no active fires in the region.

Warm, dry weather forecast for the first part of the weekend is expected to result in human-caused fires as people take the opportunity to clean up brush and grass in rural areas.

People are reminded that they are required to follow safe outdoor fire management as set out in the Forest Fires Prevention Act of Ontario.

In particular, there are restrictions on day burning of brush and grass fires.

They are to be started no sooner than two hours before sunset, be out no sooner than two hours after sunrise, attended at all times and put dead out before leaving.

If you live within a municipality, contact your local municipal office or fire department BEFORE burning.

Be FireSmart! For details, go here.

Report forest fires using the toll-free fire reporting number: 310-FIRE (3473).

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