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Ontario says its ready to respond to 2023 wildland fire season

April 3, 2023, Toronto – The Ontario government says the province is ready to respond to this year’s wildland fire season, which lasts from April 1 until Oct. 31. The province has action plans in place to manage large, complex fires, especially near communities and critical infrastructure, stated the government in a press release.

The Ontario government said it works to fight wildland fires, protect communities, and maintain public safety in cooperation with community leaders, Indigenous emergency organizations and other agencies. Participation in agreements with provincial, federal, and international partners also allows for the sharing of personnel, equipment, and aircraft between agencies during periods of escalated wildland fire activity.

Approximately 50 per cent of all wildfires are caused by humans. There are actions the public can take to reduce the risks of forest fires, such as following the province’s outdoor burning regulations, ensuring campfires do not get too big and are fully extinguished at the end of the evening or prior to leaving the site, and having tools and water on hand to control outdoor fires, among others.

Ontario’s resources to fight wildland fires include hundreds of staff who are highly trained and skilled in supporting and fighting wildland fires, a fleet of specialized aircraft used to suppress wildland fires and transport staff across the province, as well as 14 fire management headquarters, three attack bases and 17 forward attack bases, two regional bases, two regional logistics centres and one provincial co-ordination facility.