With 14 forest fires in the region this spring, fire management supervisor Dave Manol said the Ministry of Natural Resources fire crews are at the same preparedness level they’re normally at by the end of May.
“We’ve brought a number of our fire crews back early and we’re in the process of making sure they’re all trained and ready to respond to fires. We have helicopters and water bombers on alert.”
Manol said they’re about six weeks ahead of schedule compared to most seasons and noted this spring is shaping up to be a bit challenging with the lack of precipitation.
The past two years were a couple of the slowest on record for fires, Manol said, adding Mother Nature always tends to balance things out.
“Our sense is this year will be more active,” he said.
Many area municipalities, including the City of Thunder Bay have fire bans in effect until further notice and the MNR has also asked people to refrain from burning at this time.“I’d like to thank the residents; so far this year, people have been very careful,” Manol said.
“Person caused fires have been way down. If people can hold off burning until things are a bit better, we’d appreciate it.”
