The Ministry of Natural Resources is looking into its crystal ball as the start of a new forest fire season is just one day away.
Regional fire response coordinator Darren McLarty says it is early but right now they are forecasting an early start.
McLarty notes they are dealing with some dry conditions in various pockets of the northwest region, particularly in Thunder Bay and Fort Frances.
He says they will be out with their annual projections sometime in the next couple of weeks.
Last season, crews dealt with 352-fires across the district, with nearly 34,000 hectares of land burned.
McLarty says right now they are into staff recruitment and the recall of seasonal employees.
He adds they are also completing training and aircraft maintenance in preparation for the start of operations.
McLarty says another task right now is drafting a new fiscal budget for the upcoming season.
