It seems that the small amount of rain the North East region has received over the weekend has played a big part in helping the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) combat forest fires.
There were no new fires confirmed on Sunday and only seven fires are currently active. None of them are in the North Bay District.
Last week, 23 fires were burning across the North East, with fire danger ratings varying from high to extreme.
“It’s been a busy couple of weeks,” said Shayne McCool, MNRF information officer for the North East Region. “This time of year we see a lot of them. But the rain across most of the North East has really calmed the situation down. Between the precipitation over the last 24 hours, coupled with the current cloudy conditions, it hampers the ability for the fires to grow and certainly helps us make good progress on the existing fires.”
On Monday the fire hazard varied from low to moderate across the region.
The MNRF wants to remind the public to follow Ontario’s outdoor burning regulations.
Use caution when performing any outdoor burning. In order to dispose of yard waste and woody debris, the MNRF encourage you to use methods such as composting or using your local landfill. If you must burn, follow Ontario’s outdoor burning regulations.
Fires are to be ignited no sooner than 2 hours before sunset and extinguished no later than 2 hours after sunrise.
Always have tools/water adequate to contain the fire at the site.
Know the rules for safe outdoor burning. To consult the full set of outdoor burning regulations under Ontario’s Forest Fire Prevention Act, visit our website at ontario.ca/page/outdoor-fire-rules-and-permits.
Residents of municipalities should also check for any local bylaws that may be in effect prior to burning.