Latest east region forest fire update

MNR News Release

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1885-2010
Saluting Ontario's FireRangers
for 125 years of dedicated service

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources FireRangers are highly trained, experienced and dedicated personnel performing an essential service for the people of Ontario. The Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services Program is internationally recognized and FireRangers are a cornerstone of the program, demonstrating the ministry's commitment to preventing personal and values loss from forest fires, and promoting the understanding of the ecological role of the fire and its beneficial effects in resource management.

August 1, 2010

So far today there have been two small fires confirmed, one in North Bay District and one in Chapleau District. There are no problems anticipated with these fires. The forest fire hazard remains moderate to high for the East Fire Region.

The East Fire Region sent fire crews and personnel to British Columbia and Saskatchewan today to assist with their forest fire firefighting efforts. In total, 106 fire personnel departed from the East Fire Region today.

Williams Lake, British Columbia received the following reinforcements from eastern Ontario Five Type One Initial Attack fire crews (4 people per crew). One 20 pack, which is a group of 20 people that will be used for sustained attack on large project fires Two Incident Management Teams - these teams be in charge of the fire operations for specifically designated area One Type 1 Incident Commander Two Type 3 Incident Commanders Two Division Supervisors One Plans Section Chief One Agency Representative

Northern Saskatchewan received One 20 pack, which is a group of 20 people that will be used for sustained attack on large project fires One Agency Representative Small fires are occurring daily as a result of mixed human caused fires and 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 FireSmart, visit ontario.ca/fireprevention http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/AFFM/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_165412.html for more information on how to prevent forest fires.

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.

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.

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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