East region forest fire update

MNR News Release

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There have been no new fires reported in the East Fire Region for Tuesday, May 19.

Fire activity was low during the Victoria Day long weekend due to cool wet weather. Through out the East Fire Region there were four fires reported, one fire in Wawa district on Friday, May 15, while the rest, two fires in Chapleau district and one in Timmins district, were reported Monday May 18. All fires were contained and three are out while one Chapleau fire remains undercontrol.

The forest fire hazard is low across the East Fire Region as the result of rain and cooler temperatures.However all of the fires during the long weekend were human caused, and all could have been prevented. It is always important to be Fire Smart when burning.

Traditionally in the spring, people do clean up around their rural homes and cottages and use brush pile fires and grass fires to remove dead grass and brush, or ignite woody debris in burning barrels. These types of fires always carry the risk of spreading into wildfires if not properly managed.

Please make sure you follow safe burning guidelines:

- The fire is ignited no sooner than two hours before sunset and extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise.

- Only a single pile is burned at any one time.

- The pile is not more than two metres in diameter and less than two metres high.

- The fire is at least two metres from any flammable materials.

- You have tools or water adequate to contain the fire to the fire site.

- A responsible person tends the fire until it is extinguished.

If it's windy - don't light!

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

For more information on FireSmart safe burning practices, please visit www.ontario.ca/fireprevention.

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