We’re just one month into the forest fire season and the fire hazard is high across northeastern Ontario.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has reported 45 fires have burned 85 hectares of land across our region so far.

The region covers from Haliburton in the south, to Cochrane in the north.

Many forest fires are tied closely to weather said Shane McCool, an MNRF fire information officer for northeastern Ontario.

He said forest fires can start either by lightning strikes or by human activity, like a tossed cigarette butt.

If investigators determine a fire started by human activity, then the person responsible could be forced to pay the suppression costs.

That could be a hefty price tag if the MNRF requires the use of a water bomber.

We’re just one month into the forest fire season and the fire hazard is high across northeastern Ontario.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has reported 45 fires have burned 85 hectares of land across our region so far.

The region covers from Haliburton in the south, to Cochrane in the north.

Many forest fires are tied closely to weather said Shane McCool, an MNRF fire information officer for northeastern Ontario.

He said forest fires can start either by lightning strikes or by human activity, like a tossed cigarette butt.

If investigators determine a fire started by human activity, then the person responsible could be forced to pay the suppression costs.

That could be a hefty price tag if the MNRF requires the use of a water bomber.