A new forest fire season has arrived.
Today’s the start of the season which runs until October 31.
Jonathan Scott is with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and says unlike last year there won’t be a Restricted Fire Zone to start.
The order was put in place as the pandemic suddenly hit resulting in new health requirements for crews and the fear of human caused fires.
Scott says, “With the health and safety protocols around COVID-19 now well established, an RFZ is not necessary at this time. The province will continue to assess forest fire hazard conditions as we move into the 2021 fire season.”
Conditions in the bush are dry so Scott is out with some reminders.
“During the fire season there is no daytime burning of brush or grass. Fires are to be ignited no sooner than 2 hours before sunset and extinguished no later than 2 hours after sunrise. You should always have tools and water on site when tending a fire.”
Scott stresses all fires must be monitored at all times and you should never ignite one in windy conditions.
He notes, “Spring grass fires are a concern. So as the snow disappears, dead grass, leaves and branches become exposed to the sun. The dry can become a fire hazard until the ground starts to green up again. Snow free areas with cured, dry grass are always a concern.”
Scott says grass fires can quickly turn into forest fires.
He adds the Ministry is prepared for the new season and ready to go.
“We start hiring on crews between April and May. Firefighting and aircraft resources are brought on. We usually reach our full compliment of resources by early May.”
Last year in Ontario there were 607 wildland fires and about half of them were caused by people.
