With temperatures starting to rise comes the first day of fire season in the Northeast region for the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES).
AFFES says as of early afternoon Wednesday, no new fires have been discovered and there are no active fires in the region. They add there is an up to date interactive fire map online.
Although some areas in Ontario are still snow-covered, AFFES says it is important to know what to do if you come across a forest fire.
When you discover a forest fire, make sure you take down the following details:
- Location of the fire
- An estimate of the flame height
- What is burning
- An estimate of the size of the fire
If a fire is found north of the French and Mattawa Rivers, call 310-FIRE (3473). To report a fire south of the rivers, call 9-1-1.
Beginning tomorrow, Ontario’s entire legislated fire region will be designated a Restricted Fire Zone. Residents who live in an area with a restricted fire zone cannot have an outdoor fire—this includes burning of grass, debris and campfires, even when using an outdoor fire grate, fireplace or fire pit.