While the Madawaska Valley fire department says the risk of bush fires is low at this time, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is saying conditions are dry enough in some regions for those fires. Due to the thaw exposing patches of grass, the MNRF has been warning that winds will dry out already dead grass exposed. This can result in perfect fuel for a fire to start. Some of these fires have already started in Western Ontario.
The MVFD says they are keeping an eye on conditions, with the ground and vegetation being extremely dry. However the department does not want to put in a fire ban right away, as there is still some snow in the area, and they want to give people the chance to be responsible.
The department wishes to remind people that coming up April 1st, a daytime burn ban will be put in place to kick off the summer season.