Remember to Drown, Stir, Drown!

MNR News Release

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There were no new fires today in the East Fire Region today.

Late in the day yesterday, Sudbury had two new fire starts, Sudbury fires 101 and 102. These fires were small at 0.1ha each and quickly extinguished.

The bad weather on its way from north western Ontario will produce thunder storms, high winds. Wind gusts are expected to reach 30-35km/h. The forest fire hazard for the East Fire Region is moderate to high.

Cochrane Fire 26 is a lightning caused fire that is classed as Under Control at 410ha. This fire is on the coast of Hudson Bay.

Hearst Fire 9 is Under Control at 4.5ha burning near HWY 17 west of Hearst before the turn-off for Calstock.

Hearst Fire 31 is a lightning caused fire and today was declared as Being Held at 485.0ha. Hearst Fire 31 received 10mm of rain and Type 2 Crews are being utilized to help with hot spots. This fire is burning north of Torrance Lake, near Tucker Creek, northwest of Kapuskasing. Twelve Type 1 Initial Attack fire crews, four helicopters and one logistics crew are committed to this fire. Crews and aircraft are using an area near Smokey Falls for staging.

Wawa 18 remains Under Control at 2300ha. When the weather is cooperating fire crews scan Wawa 18 looking for any remaining hot spots that need extinguishment.

Careless campfires, shore lunches, and fireworks result in numerous forest fires every summer. These fires are preventable and taxing on the forest fire suppression resources. Regardless of the fire hazard always build a safe campfire. Build your fire on bare soil or exposed rock, sheltered from the wind and away from tents or buildings. Keep a pail of water and shovel nearby and make sure the fire is not left unattended. Keep your fire small and when you're finished, make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving the site. Remember to DROWN, STIR, DROWN!

To view the current forest fire hazard in your area, visit here http://forest.lrc.gov.on.ca/AFFM/fire/interactivemap/fireHazard_English.htm to view the Fire Danger Map.

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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