Be FireSmart! Prevent wildfires this holiday long weekend

MNR News Release

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Northeast Region - May 17, 2013

New Fires

There were three new fires in the region between May 13 and May 16.

Parry Sound district actioned two small fires – PAR 11 burned 1.2 hectares and PAR 12 burned 0.1 hectares. Both fires are out.

Sault Ste. Marie district’s second fire of the season – SAU 02 – burned 0.1 hectares and is now out.

Active Fires

At the time of this report, there were no active fires in the region.

Be FireSmart! Prevent wildfires this holiday long weekend

The Ministry of Natural Resources would like to remind the public of their responsibilities under the Forest Fires Prevention Act (FFPA) of Ontario.

People will be out this weekend pursuing recreational activities and cleaning up cottages and rural residences, which may include outdoor fires.

Residents that are planning on burning grass, brush or other wood debris should consider composting or taking material to landfill sites instead.

Each spring, grass fires get out of control and cause needless damage to barns, homes and cottages.

Under the FFPA the only materials that can be burned without a fire permit are grass, wood, brush or wood by-products and people must tend their fires at all times making sure to put them out dead out before leaving. If it is windy, the risk of a wildfire is high – don’t burn!

If a forest fire results because you have used fire improperly, you could be held responsible for the costs of putting out the fire and for any property damage that occurs.

Residents in organized municipalities are reminded to check with local officials for burning restrictions that may be in place in their areas.

Further information is available on safe outdoor fire management at www.ontario.ca/fireprevention.

For more information about the current fire situation, visit www.ontario.ca/forestfire .

Report forest fires north of the French and Mattawa Rivers by calling 310-FIRE (3473). In southern regions, forest fires can be reported by calling your local fire department.

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