Weekend forest fire situation update

MNR News Release

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There have been five new fires in the East Fire Region within the last 24 hours. Four of the new fires were reported in the Hearst district and the fifth in Wawa district. Wawa 7 started as a structural fire that spread somewhat into the surrounding forested area. All five fires were 0.1 hectares in size and have all been called out.

The majority of the East Fire Region has a low fire hazard except for a small pocket of moderate hazard in the Wawa area. Cloudy conditions or a mix of sun and cloud is expected for the region with the chance of a thunderstorm south of the French River on Saturday.

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.

Always make sure you follow safe burning guidelines as set out under the Forest Fires Prevention Act and 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 http://www.ontario.ca/fireprevention

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