Northeastern Ontario under a high forest fire rating

As northern Ontario gets ready to welcome autumn this weekend, it’s still feeling a lot like summer as provincial forest fire crews continue to battle blazes.

“With no forecasted precipitation until the weekend, this does mean that we can expect to see a continuation of that high forest fire hazard reading that we've been seeing across much of the region,” said Amy Peltonen, fire information officer with the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Ontario’s woodland fire season comes to an official end on Oct. 31. Until then most of the northeast region remains under a high forest fire rating with some areas considered extreme. (Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services file footage)

The province said as of Thursday afternoon, there are 21 active wildland fires in the northeast region.

“Of these, 10 are being observed three are not yet under control, five are being held and three are under control,” said Peltonen.

Peltonen said there is a way the public can help prevent more fires from starting.

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“For example, for those who are going out, ATVing or any other kind of outdoor recreational vehicles, make sure that you're avoiding stopping on dry grass whenever possible and when you do stop, please make sure that you are checking often for any kind of debris so that you can remove any buildup,” said Peltonen.

According to the province’s forest fire info map, most of northeastern Ontario is under a high forest fire rating.

The North Bay area is considered moderate and the Sudbury area and the region north of Kapuskasing are rated extreme.