36 new fires reported Saturday

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 including 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 clicking on this link http://forest.lrc.gov.on.ca/AFFM/fire/interactivemap/RFZ/map.html.

36 new fire starts reported yesterday with an additional 3 today, the majority caused by lightning. Wawa 18 is not under control however there has been little increase in the size of the fire still estimated at2300 plus hectares. The emergency area order in place for the highway 101 and 651 corridors affected by the fire is still in effect. Road restrictions are posted and MNR crews and Ontario Provincial Police are managing road travel and restrictions.

There are currently 69 active fires in the east fire region, Wawa 18 as well as a 300 hectare fire near Hearst and two large fires near Timmins continue to present challenges. 27 crews from British Columbia with support will arrive in the East Fire Region tomorrow.

Please follow the link included to view photos and video of Wawa 18 as well as some fire activity generated by lightning.

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 Fire Smart, 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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