2022-Apr-05
Ontario Prepares to Fight Wildland Fires and Protect Communities
Last year in Ontario there were 1,198 wildland fires – with approximately 793,325 hectares of forests burned – a record. This number includes a 200,000-hectare fire, the largest since the province started keeping statistics in 1960. Each year about half of all wildland fires are caused by people.
The Ontario government is ready to respond to this year’s wildland fire season, which lasts from April 1 until October 31.
Ontario’s resources to fight wildland fires include:
- Up to 800 fire rangers with the ability to bring in more as needed, and a support staff of more than 500
- A fleet of specialized aircraft used to suppress wildland fires and transport staff across the province
- nine water bombers
- six twin otters
- five turbo beavers
- and eight helicopters used for fire suppression and to move crews and equipment
- 14 fire management headquarters with two regional bases and one provincial co-ordination facility
The province is closely monitoring weather conditions to detect fires early and to avoid large, complex fires, especially near communities and critical infrastructure. “There is nothing more important than protecting the safety of people and communities across the province, including our staff,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (MNR). “Last year’s wildland fire season was exceptionally busy, and while we don’t know what this season will bring, we know we can rely on our fire rangers, pilots and support staff to battle any wildland fires and protect Ontarians.”
Those enjoying the outdoors are reminded to ensure that campfires do not get too big and are fully extinguished at the end of the evening. Taking simple preventative measures is the simplest way to reduce the risk of fires getting out of hand.
Additional Resources
- GBA weekly fire Danger updates ( Thursday release from May – September )
- Fire Prevention Tips: Outside the Cottage and Inside the Cottage
- Hot Tips on Responding to Fires, UPDATE Summer 2029
- The Homeowner’s FireSmart Manual
- MNR Tips to Prevent Forest Fires