Northwest Region Forest Fire Situation
From Ontario MNR - Click to see on original page.
May 17, 2013 – 16:30
Forest fires: This information has been provided by the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) program of the Ministry of Natural Resources, which coordinates forest fire detection, monitoring, suppression and public information and education services for Ontario.
There were 16 new forest fires reported in the Northwest Region between May 13 and May 17. All of these new fires were human-caused and were the result of grass or brush burning which then escaped into wildfires, or sparked by trees over power lines in windy conditions.
The fires occurred in the southern sectors of the region including Dryden, Fort Frances, Kenora and Thunder Bay Districts. The Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services program worked in mutual response with municipal and volunteer fire departments to fight most of these fires.
Since April 1 there have been 54 fires burning an area of 52.8 hectares.
The long weekend poses additional risk of wildfires as people will be setting campfires and burning brush and grass for clean up around rural homes and cottages. Under the Forest Fires Prevention Act of Ontario, all fires must be attended and put dead out before leaving the site.
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources reminds the public that no burning is allowed during the day from April 1 to October 31st. Permits are not required for most small-scale burning of wood, brush, leaves or wood by-products if the following conditions are met:
All Fires
- The fire is to be started no sooner than two hours before sunset and must be put out no later than two hours after sunrise.
- The fire must be at least two metres from any flammable materials.
- All fires must be tended by a responsible person until extinguished.
- Adequate tools or water must be available to put the fire out.
Residents in organized municipalities must check with their local municipal office for other burning restrictions or by-laws.
For FireSmart fire prevention information call 1-888-258-8842
