Ontario’s Minister of Natural Resources, Mike Harris, has reported significant progress in the ongoing battle against wildfires in the province. Over the past fortnight, numerous blazes have been successfully extinguished, resulting in a notable reduction in the number of fires raging uncontrollably.
According to Harris, although the quantity of fires this wildfire season is within a typical range, the total area consumed by the fires this year has far exceeded past records. Ontario witnessed its largest wildfire to date, covering a vast expanse of 3,500 square kilometres at its peak – nearly twice the size of a major fire in recent memory.
While the threat of wildfires still looms, Harris expresses optimism in the efforts of firefighting crews to contain the situation. The fires have prompted the evacuation of 14 communities across the province, with six communities having already been able to return home. Approximately 1,150 evacuees remain sheltered in temporary host communities.
Harris urges residents that if wildfires approach their communities, they should not hesitate and wait for official evacuation orders from the Ministry of Natural Resources. Immediate evacuation is advised to ensure safety.
