Forest fire risk high in northern Ontario

A lot of people will be heading into the bush in northern Ontario this long weekend, and the Ministry of Natural Resources wants them to watch out for forest fires, and has declared many areas as restricted fire zones.

On Thursday, the ministry said there is an extreme risk of fire in the Sudbury, North Bay and Sault Ste. Marie areas, and a low or moderate risk in the rest of the region.

There are currently 16 active fires in the area, with a significant one burning on Falcon Island in the Kenora area, the ministry said.

That fire is now covering 500 hectares of land, but is not threatening any properties, the ministry said.

People in the Chapleau area are also being told to be at the ready. There is a forest fire is burning in the area northwest of Foleyet.

The MNR says people should be prepared for road closures and travel restrictions while fire crews work to stamp out the blaze.

The ministry is also expecting more fires to spring up on the weekend following some of expected lightning strikes.

It is illegal to set a fire for any purpose in a restricted fire zone. Failure to obey the law could mean a fine of up to $1,000, three months in jail, and financial responsibility for any costs incurred while fighting a forest fire caused by an illegally set fire.