Sudbury and region are forest fire free

As of June 7, there were no active forest fires in the Sudbury region.

The region is experiencing a low to high hazard, with the greatest hazard being observed between Huntsville and Toronto, as well as in the far north of the province.

Since April 1, there have been 198 fires in the northeast region, covering 2,867 hectares.

That number is way up from last year's total of just 82 fires covering 381 hectares but still below the 10-year average of 281 fires and more than 25,000 hectares.

Sudbury has experience just 20 forest fires, spanning over 47.5 hectares, with the most recent coming on May 24.

"We're ahead of last year's numbers but still below the ten year average for the region," said Robert Woodrich, Fire Information Officer with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. "Numbers can vary widely from year to year, 2012 was very active but 2013 and 2014 were particularly slow."

The weather and a long winter have played into this year's numbers according to Woodrich who says that we still have to be aware of safe burning practices.

"We had more snow (than usual) this winter which leads to more melt and moisture. We also have had lower temperatures and more precipitation," said Woodrich. "It's impossible to predict forest fires beyond 10 days so we encourage everyone to review our safe burning guidelines."

Wawa 5 and Bancroft 6 have both been declared out.

Out of province, Ontario continues to support firefighting efforts in both Alberta and the Yukon. A total of 228 personnel were in Alberta along with pumps and hose equipment from Ontario, of which 125 were recalled on June 7.

All 74 firefighter personnel that were in the Yukon have returned.

The Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services program is reminding people that they are responsible for safe outdoor fire management and must follow the guidelines set out in the Forest Fires Prevention Act of Ontario.

To view Ontario's safe burning guidelines visit: www.ontario.ca/fireprevention.