As Ontario readies for forest fire season, a province-wide outdoor fire ban is "not necessary" right now.
Wildland fire season starts April 1 and runs until Oct. 31.
Last year, amid the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, a restricted fire zone (RFZ) was put in place across the province.
"With health and safety protocols around COVID-19 now well-established, an RFZ is not necessary at this time. However, the province will continue to assess forest fire hazard conditions now that the fire season has arrived and an RFZ designation may be required if the fire hazard warrants," reads a provincial news release.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is monitoring weather conditions to help determine how busy the fire season will be.
According to the province, the MNRF has hired firefighters, pilots and support staff for the fire season.
"Our government has been diligently monitoring the COVID-19 situation in the province as well as planning and preparing for the wildland fire season within this evolving landscape," said John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, in the news release. "Nothing is more important than protecting the safety of the people and communities across the province, including our staff. We will continue to deliver emergency services in the safest work environment possible for employees."
