Hearst forest fire sparked by lightning

MNR News Release

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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 as well as 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 visiting this link http://forest.lrc.gov.on.ca/AFFM/fire/interactivemap/RFZ/map.html

Four new fires were confirmed in the East Fire Region on May 25. Hearst 19, sparked by lightning, is eight hectares in size and is northeast of Hearst. Bancroft 4 is being held at 0.3 hectares. Pembroke 3 is not under control at 0.7 hectares. Sudbury 35, on an island in the French River Provincial Park, has been called out.

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 http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/AFFM/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_165412.html 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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