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Ontario is gearing up for the 2025 wildland fire season, which runs from April 1 to October 31. The provincial government has added nearly 100 new permanent positions to strengthen its firefighting teams and ensure that people and resources are ready to protect communities.
Mike Harris, the Minister of Natural Resources, emphasized the province’s commitment to safeguarding Ontarians during this fire season. “We are ready to protect people, communities, and properties across Ontario from wildland fires,” Harris said. “When wildland fires hit, our brave and dedicated Fire Rangers, pilots, and support staff are prepared to battle these fires and protect Ontarians.”
Ontario has also increased its investment in wildland fire management. Last year, the province teamed up with the federal government to invest $64 million in the wildland fire program. This funding has helped the province boost its firefighting capacity for 2025, with new equipment and technology such as fuel systems, trucks, and emergency management software.
Human activity is responsible for approximately 50 percent of wildland fires. To help reduce the risk, Ontario encourages the public to follow safety guidelines when starting outdoor fires:
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Check the Fire Hazard: Before starting an outdoor fire, visit Forest fires | ontario.ca to check the fire hazard and any local restrictions.
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Follow Outdoor Burning Regulations: Make sure to ignite fires no sooner than two hours before sunset and put them out no later than two hours after sunrise.
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Control Campfires: Keep campfires small and make sure they are completely extinguished before leaving or retiring for the night. Always have tools and water on hand to control outdoor fires.
To learn more about fire prevention and how to prepare communities and properties for the risk of wildland fires, visit ontario.ca/firesmart and “How to Prevent Forest Fires.”
Ontario continues to be a leader in wildland fire management, working closely with provincial, territorial, federal, and international partners to share personnel, equipment, and aircraft during times of heightened fire activity. This collaboration helps ensure a coordinated and efficient response to wildland fires across the region.
(Written by: Emma Butler)