Ontario adds wildfire staff ahead of potentially combustible season
Forecasters anticipate another hot summer, but perhaps more rain
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The wet weather of late has helped damper (and dampen) the risk of wildfires in the region, but summer could be a smokier story.
Already this spring the province has experienced 22 forest fires, consuming 41 hectares, compared to just a handful at this time last year that scorched a far smaller area.
That’s largely because less snow fell this winter and spring started earlier, making for drier conditions in early April. Luckily the latter part of the month lived up to its reputation with some much-needed showers.
What comes next is all dependent on the weather, but if last summer and general warming trends are any indication, there’s a good chance we will have to forgo a campfire again at some point this summer.
Northern Ontario might not have been the hottest spot in the country last year — B.C. and Alberta were burning up like crazy, as was Quebec — but the region did experience more than its normal share of bush blazes.
Ontario had 743 wildfires in 2023, consuming 441,605 hectares, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. That’s 53 more fires than is typical, based on the 10-year average, and nearly three times as much forest being burnt.
The previous fire season in 2022 was a lighter one, however, with 275 fires (less than half the usual number) and 2,560 hectares razed.
“Each fire season varies and is heavily influenced by weather conditions,” the ministry said in a statement to The Star. “Predicting this fire season remains challenging because weather forecasts can be unreliable.”
Summer outlooks are few and hazy at this point, but generally climatologists are expecting warmer-than-normal temperatures again. It could also be stormier, according to some predictions, which can also contribute to forest fires through lightning strikes.
Then again, it could also stay wet.
The Farmers Almanac, for one, has gone with the headline “Rainy Relief” for its Canada’s Summer Weather Forecast.
The almanac says the eastern part of the country, including Ontario, will be damp, muggy and stormy.
We should see “lots of rain during the summer months,” the almanac predicts. “Temperatures will be warm and humid in most areas, reminding Canadians of last year’s summer weather.”
Whatever comes, the MNRF says it will be monitoring fire conditions closely and making sure it has enough resources in place to tackle any infernos that do erupt.
“Ontario has a sophisticated response system, including fire crews, helicopters, water bombers and support staff,” the ministry said. “So far, we have just over 630 fire crew positions filled for this fire season, which is well within our recruitment range.”
Hiring will continue throughout May, the ministry said, and more personnel will be available than in years past.
“The increase in firefighting positions and incentives reflects our ongoing efforts to strengthen Ontario’s wildfire program, rather than indicating specific expectations for this fire season,” the ministry said. “This is part of a series of changes the government has made to deliver more support for fire rangers and the northern communities that rely on them.”
About 100 new full-time positions have been added to Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services, which “will contribute to building leadership and experience within our wildland fire program,” according to MNRF. “We are working to fill these positions as soon as possible.”
The ministry pointed out it also has mutual aid partnerships with municipalities, Indigenous communities and other wildfire management agencies across Canada, as well as internationally.
“These agreements provide additional staff and equipment as needed to support wildfire response in Ontario,” the ministry said, adding: “Up to 320 firefighting personnel may also be available from private contractors.”
With the fire season now officially upon us, the ministry is reminding Northern residents that no daytime burning of yard debris is permitted.
“Springtime poses a high risk for human-caused fires while grass fuels are dry, and leaves have yet to emerge on trees,” said MNRF. “As residents are working on cleaning up their properties in the spring, fires will typically occur where people live, work, or recreate, so residents must take the necessary precautions to prevent unwanted wildland fires that could harm people or damage property.”
The earliest you can start a fire is two hours before sunset and they must be extinguished two hours after sunrise at the latest. Residents should also pick a calm night for burning, as a fire can get out of control quickly under dry or windy conditions.
The ministry recommends composting or visiting a landfill rather than burning up woody yard debris and leaf litter.
“If you must burn, ensure that you are waiting for the coolest time of day, consistent with Outdoor Burning Regulations, and always have the tools at hand to keep your fire under control,” the ministry said. “Always supervise any outdoor fire and ensure it is out and cool to the touch before leaving the area.”
To help prevent wildfires, residents are encouraged to manage the vegetation around their home, ensure power lines are clear of tree limbs and grow fire-resistant plants.
Campfires should also be carefully kindled, supervised and extinguished, as they are one of the main sources of forest fires.
“During the summer season, Ontario experiences an average of at least one wildfire every day caused by an unextinguished or unattended campfire,” the ministry noted. “On average, more than 200 wildfires are caused every year by recreational forest users such as anglers, campers, berry pickers, canoeists, hunters and/or picnickers.”
If your campfire escapes and starts a wildfire, you can be held responsible to pay for its suppression costs and the damage it causes.
Municipalities can implement fire bans but so can the province, establishing Restricted Fire Zones, as required, that prohibit open burning. In Northern Ontario, a municipal fire ban and an RFZ can be in place at the same time. Ontario Parks can also impose their own fire bans within the borders of their parks.
Campers can use a propane fire pit as an alternative to a campfire but candles or candle lanterns are technically considered outdoor fires and forbidden during a ban.
Fireworks can be an exciting part of summer, but the ministry advises anyone planning to set them off on their own to exercise “extreme caution,” or consider “attending an organized fireworks venue instead.”
Someone who inadvertently starts a wildfire from failing to extinguish hot residue from fireworks can be charged and may be held responsible to pay the total cost of putting the fire out, the ministry noted.
To stay up to date on the current forest fire situation in Ontario, including current fire hazard and restrictions, visit www.ontario.ca/page/forest-fires or follow @ONforestfires on Facebook, Instagram and X.
For more information on outdoor fire rules and regulations, visit www.ontario.ca/page/outdoor-fire-rules-and-permits.
Tips on how to protect your home and property from wildfires are available at www.ontario.ca/page/firesmart.
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