THUNDER BAY – WILDFIRE PREVENTION – Every year, human activity is responsible for nearly half of all wildfires in Ontario. As fire seasons grow longer and drier—especially in Northwestern Ontario—it’s more important than ever for residents, visitors, and campers to know how they can help prevent wildfires before they start.
Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and reduce your risk.
🔥 Top Causes of Human-Caused Wildfires
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Unattended campfires
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Discarded cigarettes
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Burn barrels or brush burning
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Hot exhaust from ATVs and vehicles
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Sparks from equipment and chainsaws
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Improper disposal of fireworks
Even a tiny spark can ignite dry brush or grass, especially during high or extreme fire hazard conditions.
🏕️ Safe Campfire Practices
1. Check fire restrictions first.
Before lighting a fire, visit Ontario.ca/firerestrictions or your municipality’s website to ensure there’s no Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) in effect.
2. Build your fire responsibly:
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Use existing fire rings or pits
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Keep it small and contained
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Clear all flammable materials (leaves, pine needles, branches) from around the fire
3. Never leave your fire unattended.
Stay with it at all times, and always have water or a shovel nearby.
4. Douse it completely before leaving.
Pour water over the fire, stir the ashes, and drench it again until it’s cold to the touch.
🚭 Be Smart with Cigarettes
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Never toss cigarette butts on the ground, especially in grassy areas, forests, or from vehicle windows.
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Use proper ashtrays and ensure the cigarette is fully out before disposal.
🛻 ATVs and Equipment Can Spark Fires
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Clean your ATV or dirt bike regularly—hot exhaust systems can ignite dry vegetation stuck in the undercarriage.
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Avoid driving through tall grass or brush during dry periods.
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Carry a fire extinguisher when operating equipment in forested or rural areas.
🎇 Leave Fireworks to the Pros
Fireworks are fun, but they’re also a high-risk ignition source. Unless permitted and managed in controlled settings:
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Avoid using them near forests or fields
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Always have water or a fire extinguisher ready
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Check local fire bans before lighting up
🧯 Know What to Do If You Spot a Fire
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Stay safe and move away from the fire’s direction
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Report it immediately:
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North of French and Mattawa Rivers: Call 310-FIRE (3473)
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South of French and Mattawa Rivers: Call 9-1-1
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🌲 Why It Matters
Wildfires not only destroy forests and wildlife habitats—they threaten homes, infrastructure, health, and entire communities. The cost of suppression and recovery is measured in millions of dollars, but prevention is free and starts with awareness.
✅ Your Role in Prevention
Whether you’re a weekend camper, ATV enthusiast, homeowner, or visitor, you play a role in keeping Northwestern Ontario safe. Simple actions—like properly extinguishing a fire or checking local burn bans—can prevent disaster.
Let’s work together to protect our communities, our forests, and our future.
