THUNDER BAY — Fire ranger crews in Ontario are getting a little more time this year to hone their skills with training exercises and to maintain equipment.
So far this season, the number of forest fires is pacing well below last year, and well below average.
According to the province's Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services, there have been 97 fires to date in Ontario.
By last year at this time, there were exactly double that number of fires – 194.
Over the past decade, the average number of fires at this point has been 159.
There are currently no active fires in the Northwest region, and just two in the entire province, near the James Bay coast.
The forest fire hazard in Northwestern Ontario ranges from low to high.
Wildland fires anywhere in Northern Ontario can be reported by dialing 310-FIRE.