Forest fire hazard on the rise

MNR News Release

***********************

There were no new fires in the East Fire Region August 14. The forest fire hazard in the areas south of the height of land are expected to slowly increase through the weekend period. Areas north of the height of land are expected to be influenced over the next 48 hours by a very slow moving weather system.

Personnel returned from British Columbia August 13, and replacement personnel boarded the return flight, providing ongoing support from Ontario for the firefighting effort there. There are now over 600 fire personnel from Ontario in British Columbia and rotation of personnel to and from Ontario is expected to continue through August until the fire situation eases in British Columbia.

Regardless of the fire hazard, always remember to be FireSmart http://www.ontario.ca/fireprevention. If you're planning a campfire this weekend, remember to pick a designated campfire pit if available or choose a safe site on bare rock or soil, keep the fire small, never leave it unattended and make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving the site. For more information please visit ontario.ca/fireprevention.

***********************