ONTARIO—With Ontario’s legislated wildland fire season having started April 1 (and continues until October 31), the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has provided The Expositor with information on Ontario’s Outdoor Burning regulations and tips to share with local residents that will help reduce the risk that a nearby wildland fire can spread to your home/cottage/community.
“Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services would like to remind the public that during Ontario’s legislated fire season (from April 1 to October 31), Ontario’s Outdoor Burning Regulations are now in effect. In order to dispose of yard waste and woody debris, we encourage Ontarians to use methods such as composting or using your local landfill. If you must burn, use caution and follow Ontario’s Outdoor Burning Regulations,” a press release explains.
“In Ontario, outdoor fires are regulated under the Forest Fires Prevention Act. If you cause a wildland fire, you could be held responsible for the costs of putting out the fire and for any property damage in addition to any fines that accompany an infraction,” the release notes.
Within Ontario’s Fire Region, during the wildland fire season, “fires are to be ignited no sooner than two hours before sunset and extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise; always have tools/water adequate to contain the fire at the site; never leave your fire unattended; if you start a fire outdoors, you must tend the fire, keep it under control, and extinguish it before leaving the site.”
“To put your fire out, soak it with a generous amount of water, stir the embers with a stick or shovel, and soak it with water again. Stir the embers until they are cold to the touch,” the release continues. “Know the rules for safe outdoor burning.” You can read the full set of Outdoor Burning Regulations on the ministry website at ontario.ca/outdoorburning.
It was pointed out, “Residents located within municipal boundaries must also abide by their local burning restrictions, or permit requirements as outlined by their local fire department or municipality.”
“There are many things that you can do to help reduce the risk that a wildland fire can spread to your home or cottage. Read up about the FireSmart program at ontario.ca/firesmart, and make a list of tasks to accomplish once the snow melts. You can also take note of where the snow has accumulated on your roof right now, since this is about the same area dead leaves, pine needles and fallen branches will accumulate as well, and these are the areas you should be cleaning off debris to reduce the risk that travelling embers from nearby forest fires can ignite your home or cottage this season. Keep these areas and your eavestroughs clean this spring!”
The ministry notes, “Spring is also a good time to move your firewood piles to a minimum distance of 10 metres from any structure on your property. This also helps reduce the risk to your home, cottage, garage or shed.” And, “On our website, you can also get your hands on our FireSmart guide to landscaping if you’re planning your garden. Ordering seeds at this time of year is popular, so why not choose fire-resistant vegetation to plant around your property? These can also reduce the risk that a nearby forest fire could spread to structures in your yard.”
“As the fire season is upon us, the following information is a good reminder,” the ministry suggests. “If you encounter smoke or flames in a wildland area, take note of how to report it. If the fire is located south of the Mattawa and French Rivers, please dial 911 to report a forest fire. If the fire is located north of these rivers, you can report it by dialing 310-FIRE.”
Updates about active wildland fires in the province as well as Ontario’s Interactive Fire Map can be found at ontario.ca/forestfire from April to October.”
The ministry release adds, “To further stay up to date with the forest fire situation this season, you can follow us as usual on X @ONForestFires in English and @OnFeuDeForet in French, as usual. But as of recently, we also have brand new social media channels on Facebook and Instagram. Search for us @ONForestFires in English and @OnFeuDeForet in French and follow us all fire season long on these platforms, too! There, you will find forest fire updates, job postings and tips on how to prevent wildland fires.”
