As of Sunday afternoon (May 26), there were no active wildland fires in the region, reports the province's Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services division.
The fire hazard is low to moderate across the region.
The fire situation in Ontario has been relatively quiet since the beginning of the 2019 fire season, but forest fire fighters remain fully prepared to respond to any forest fires that may arise here at home.
There are 17 members of the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services team currently deployed to assist with sandbagging efforts and the movement of water from low-lying areas in various communities affected by flooding.
AFFES is also providing logistical support and equipment such as pumps and hose. Assistance will continue until the situation stabilizes or assistance is no longer required.
More than 110 staff members from Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services are also assisting the province of Alberta with its escalated fire situation. This includes FireRangers, support staff and one incident management team.
The sharing of resources across Canada is facilitated by the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre in Winnipeg under the Mutual Aid Resource Sharing agreement.
AFFES does ask that people seek alternatives to burning yard waste to avoid the risk of grass fires.
“When performing spring yard clean up, seek alternatives to burning by considering composting or using your local landfill,” said a press release. “Don’t be the reason behind a spring wildland fire this year.”
For up to date forest fire hazard conditions in your area, see the interactive fire map at Ontario.ca/forestfire.
To report a forest fire located north of the French and Mattawa rivers, dial 310-FIRE.
To report a forest fire located south of the French or Mattawa rivers, dial 911.
