Rain lowers northern Ont. fire danger, storms pose new hazard

With the much-needed rain northern Ontario received this weekend, the number of active wildfires continues to grow as a new hazard emerges. Here’s what you need to know.

With the much-needed rain northern Ontario received this weekend, the number of active wildfires continues to grow as a new hazard emerges.

As of Monday morning, there are 67 active wildfires in northern Ontario – 28 in the northeast and 39 in the northwest – up from 62 the previous day.

All of the 14 new fires in the last 24 hours began in northwestern Ontario where there are 12 not yet under control.

While the number of active wildfires has decreased in the northeast, the number of fires not yet under control remains at 13.

There have been 239 wildfires since April 12 that have burned more than 59,000 hectares (ha) and 172 of the fires have been extinguished. The number of fires is more than triple the total in 2022.

The restricted fire zone and fire ban remain in place for the region despite the forest fire danger rating in the northeast dropping to low.

However, with rain comes the threat of lightning.