Fewer fires are being contained quickly

The Ontario government set a performance target of 96 per cent of forest fires "being held" by noon the day after they're reported. The target was lowered to 95 per cent in 2022.

"Being Held" indicates that with currently committed resources, sufficient suppression action has been taken so that the fire is not likely to spread beyond existent or predetermined control boundaries under prevailing or forecasted conditions.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
TORONTO STAR GRAPHIC