Latest forest fire situation update

MNR News Release

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August 14, 2010

No new fires have been confirmed by late this afternoon.

Currently in the East Fire Region there are seven active fires. Four fires located in Cochrane District all are being monitored. Hearst, Pembroke and Sudbury all have one fire each that is classed as Under Control.

The forest fire hazard for central Ontario is moderate and will be reassessed depending on the rainfall that is in the forecast.

200 FireRangers and six overhead staff will be flying out of Thunder Bay, Dryden, and Sudbury tomorrow morning all headed for Williams Lake and Prince George, British Columbia.

More resources will be deployed as needed.

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.

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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