Heat and humidity remain in our weather forecast this week, and that’s not good for the likelihood of forest fires.
MNR fire information officer Isabelle Chenard says the ministry is watching out for lightning and what are called “holdover lightning fires”.
“Holdover lightning fires kind of can hit a tree or the ground and they will be dormant for a few days until the weather becomes more dry and the winds pick up and then we find them up to a week after the lightning has swept through the region,” she explains.
As summer and the forest fire season continues, all available means of fighting flames are pressed into service.
Chenard says that includes aircraft. They could be scooping water out of your favourite water body while you’re swimming, floating or boating on it.
“So if you can do your part and just remember that if waterbombers re approaching a body of water, move close to the shore so they can perform their scoop safely, because a waterbomber won’t scoop from a lake or river if encroaching watercraft pose a safety hazard. So be safe and stay clear of waterbombers.”
Use this link to the MNR’s interactive fire map which is updated constantly and has the latest on fires burning across Ontario.
