SUDBURY – Time of Report 16:45 – There were 4 new fires discovered by the early afternoon. Cochrane 11 at 60 hectares, Cochrane 12 at 50 hectares, Cochrane 13 at 6000 hectares and Cochrane 14 at 400 hectares are all being observed in the far north.
There are four other active fires in the region, all of which are in the Cochrane district. Cochrane 5 is being observed at 55.5 hectares, Cochrane 8 is being observed at 200 hectares, Cochrane 9 is being observed at 100 hectares, and Cochrane 10 is being observed at 3220 hectares.
The forest fire hazard ranges from low to moderate in the southern areas of the region while the north and far north are showing a high to extreme hazard today.
Out of Province Deployment
Ontario continues to deploy fire management resources to assist with the forest fire situation in British Columbia. More personnel will leave on the weekend, with plans to deploy more than 100 people on July 15 and additional resources will follow by July 19.
These deployments will include Ontario FireRangers, an Incident Management Team, Agency Representatives, structural protection personnel and other overhead staff. Fire suppression and values protection equipment is also part of the Ontario support. Sufficient resources will remain in Ontario to respond to forest fires here.
There are already 148 Ontario fire management personnel in Ontario, sent out on July 11 in response to a request from British Columbia through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre in Winnipeg. The sharing of resources across Canada is facilitated by the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre under the Mutual Aid Resource Sharing agreement. This allows provinces to assist each other during periods of forest fire escalation.
Ontario has increased the maximum fines for individuals and corporations for starting forest fires. Increased Fines for Starting a Forest Fire
‘Ontario Strengthens Law to Deter Forest Fires’
Planning to have a campfire?
Here are some tips on how to safely enjoy your campfire and avoid the costs and dangers that can arise from an unextinguished or unattended campfire:
- Choose your site carefully. Select a site with easy access to water that is sheltered from high winds. The fire must be built on bare rock or non-combustible material.
- Prepare the site. Clear a one metre space around your campfire site and remove all pine needles, grasses, leaves and twigs.
- Keep your fire small. By law, your campfire cannot exceed one metre in height and one metre in diameter.
- Stay nearby. Never leave your campfire unattended.
- Put your fire out. Soak your fire with water.
- Be sure the fire is extinguished. Stir the ashes with a stick to uncover hot coals and then soak it again!
Fire numbers and online information:
- To report a forest fire located north of the French and Mattawa rivers, please dial 310-FIRE (3473)
- To report a forest fire located south of the French or Mattawa rivers, please dial 911.
- Follow us on Twitter : in English @ONForestFires or in French @ONFeuDeForêt
- For up to date information on current fires in the province visit Ontario.ca/forestfire
For guidelines on safe outdoor fire management ontario.ca/fireprevention
Report Prepared by Shayne McCool
