The number of active wildfires in northeastern Ontario has seen a sharp drop in recent days, according to figures provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry's firefighting division.
As recently as Oct. 5, Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services for the Northeast Fire Region was reporting 30 active wildfires in the region, the number of fires having been in that range for months.
However in its report Thursday, the AFFES says that number has dropped to just eight active fires.
Of those, one is under control and seven are being observed. There have been no new fires reported in recent days.
Ontario’s largest wildland fire of 2023, known as Sioux Lookout 33, was called out on Oct. 6 at a massive 62,300 hectares in size.
Active since June 11, Sioux Lookout 33 made up approximately 14% of Ontario’s total hectares burned this season, the AFFES said in a post on 'X', formerly Twitter.
The fire service described the forest fire hazard across northeastern Ontario on Thursday as low.
However, they were still urging caution when when performing outdoor burning as we move further into fall.
To dispose of yard waste and woody debris, the AFFES urged the public to compost or use the local landfill.
"If you must burn, follow Ontario’s Outdoor Burning Regulations," AFFES said.
For tips on safe burning practices they suggesting visiting How to burn grass and woody debris safely | ontario.ca.