New wildland fire northeast of Sault not yet under control

A new wildfire was confirmed northeast of the Sault on Thursday.

Sault Ste. Marie 17 is a 0.5 hectare fire and was not under control as of Thursday afternoon, Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) reported.

The fire was about 2.5 km east of Highway 129 (which runs north from Thessalon) and 6 km southwest of Aubrey Lake.

At the time of the Thursday update, there were nine active wildland fires in the Northeast Region. All the fires except for the new Sault district fire were being observed, AFFES said.

The fire hazard is predominantly low across the Northeast Region, except for an area of moderate fire hazard stretching north from the Bruce Peninsula to Bruce Mines, east to Markstay-Warren and north to Chapleau.

AFFES was reminding the public to use caution when performing outdoor burning. To dispose of yard waste and woody debris, people were encouraged you to use methods such as composting or the landfill.  

Fires are to be ignited no sooner than two hours before sunset and are to be extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise. Always have tools/water adequate to contain the fire at the site, AFFES said.

For rules for safe outdoor burning, consult the full set of Outdoor Burning Regulations.

For tips on safe burning practices visit How to burn grass and woody debris safely | ontario.ca.