Forest fire situation update for the east region

MNR News Release

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There were three new fires reported in the Northeast Region on May 27. Fires occurred in Hearst (1), North Bay (1) and Wawa (1) districts. Hearts 2 was reported north of Kapuskasing and is out at 1.7 hectares. North Bay 7 was reported south of Temagami and is out at 0.1 hectares. Wawa 8 was reported southeast of White River along the railway right of way and is under control at 0.2 hectares.

An additional 82 forest fire staff have been deployed to Alberta on Thursday May 26, which brings the total Ontario staff in that province to 191. Of the 82 staff, two 20-packs of FireRangers and an Agency Representative will be deployed from the Northeast Region.

Most of the Northeast Region will experience cloudy conditions with rain showers. Thunderstorms may also affect extreme southeastern Ontario. The winds will be quite variable, becoming moderate at times. The temperate and weather conditions will remain the same for Sunday.

When cleaning up wood and grass debris, the ministry suggests composting, chipping or taking debris to a landfill site instead of burning. If you still decide to burn debris, residents are reminded that they are required to follow safe outdoor fire guidelines. In particular, there are restrictions on day burning of brush and grass.

Fires are to be started no sooner than two hours before sunset, be extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise, attended at all times and put dead out before leaving.

If you live within a municipality, contact your local municipal office or fire department BEFORE burning.

Be FireSmart! For more information, visit ontario.ca/fireprevention and report forest fires using the toll-free reporting number: 310-FIRE (3473).

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