First forest fire of season confirmed for Sault area

The first wildland fire of the season for the Sault area was confirmed earlier today, according to Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services.

Sault Ste. Marie District fire No. 1 measures 1.5 hectares and as of late this afternoon was not under control.

The fire was about 0.5 km south of Garden Lake, in the Searchmont, Ranger Lake area north of the city.

Another fire for Ontario's Northeast Fire Region was confirmed today near Bancroft.

Bancroft District fire No. 2 measures 2.5 hectares and was not under control as of this afternoon. 

Other active fires are in the Timmins District, with two near the city of Timmins.  

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry's forest fire services said today that most of the Northeast Region was showing "extreme hazard" for forest fires, with high hazard for areas around Bruce Mines, northeastern Manitoulin Island, and other areas to the east and south.

While no fire bans were in effect, the public was being urged to use caution when burning outdoors.