The forest fire hazard in Ontario is low this long weekend but you should still exercise caution.

A message from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Fire Information Officer Isabelle Chenard says there are over 80 active fires burning in Ontario but not all of them are being fought. She says if a fire doesn’t pose a threat to infrastructure or communities, they’ll let it burn for ecological reasons.

“Fire on the landscape allows certain species, such as the Jackpine, to release their seeds and create a new generation of seeds.”

She says the fire hazard across the province is low but lightning could spark up a new fire at any point or even human error. As of this post, 307 have begun and been fought throughtout the province in 2017.