Smoke eaters become sand baggers

Forest fire season has started, but the lack of action doesn't mean crews haven't kept busy.

Northeast Region crews have been deployed to assist with flood response.

There are 46 members of the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services team currently helping with sandbagging efforts and the movement of water from low lying areas in various communities of Mattawa, French River, Pembroke, and Renfrew County.

AFFES is also providing logistical support and equipment such as pumps and hose.and will continue helping until the situation stabilizes or assistance is no longer needed.

Meanwhile, as of the early evening of May 17, there are no active wildland fires in the region, and the fire hazard is low.

But they are offering this advice.

"Throughout the long weekend and beyond, adopt safe campfire practices!  Choose the site of your campfire carefully and keep your fire small.  Stay nearby: never leave it unattended.  Put your fire out by drowning it with water.  Be sure that it is extinguished prior to leaving the site.  Stir the ashes with a stick to uncover hot coals and then drown it again.  You can never be too safe."