By Angela Gemmill
Twelve-hundred Fire Rangers are working to extinguish a total of 69 forest fires across Northeastern Ontario.
According to MNR Regional Information Officer, Don Mark, many of the recent blazes were started by lightning strikes, but crews are battling some human-started fires.
The Ministry of Natural Resources has laid over 100 charges to those not respecting the restricted fire zone.
Mark says local resources are strained, which is why fire rangers from Alberta, British Columbia and Northwest Territories have been called in to help.
He warns that along with the hefty fine anyone found guilty of starting a fire will be required to pay the cost to suppress the fire….which could run in the tens of thousands of dollars.
The restricted fire zone will remain in place for some time due to the extremely dry conditions.
Call 310-FIRE to report a forest fire.