Latest forest fire update

MNR News Release

***********************

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.

A map of the Restricted Fire Zone can be viewed by clicking on this link http://forest.lrc.gov.on.ca/AFFM/fire/interactivemap/RFZ/map.html.

Fifteen new fires were confirmed onMay 26. These fifteen new fires were all ignited by lightning from a weather system that passed through the region on the evening of May 26. There were three fires reported in the Hearst district, three fires in the North Bay district, four fires in the Wawa district, two fires in the Sudbury district, two fires in the Timmins district and one fire in the Kirkland Lake district. The East Fire Region Forest Fire Management Centre in Sudbury continues to respond to numerous fire reports as the day progresses.

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.

***********************