Wildfire Relief in Northwestern Ontario Thanks to Rain

Cooler temperatures and recent rainfall are assisting wildfire crews in managing fires across northwestern Ontario after a period of hot, windy weather led to several new blazes late last week.

As of late Monday afternoon, there were five active fires in the northwest region, according to Ontario’s fire map. One fire near Dryden is not contained, covering approximately 150 hectares. Five fires are being held, and three are under control.

“Recent wet weather is really helping to moderate conditions following multiple new fire starts that happened late last week in the northwest region amid some high winds and some warm temperatures,” said fire information officer Chris Marchand.

Marchand mentioned that overnight rain has already allowed crews to make progress, especially in the Fort Frances fire management area.

Chris Marchand, a fire information officer with Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources’ Aviation Forest Fire and Emergency Services in Dryden. (Submitted by Chris Marchand )

“Overnight rainfall has supported Fire Ranger crews in making strong progress,” he stated, adding that more rain expected from Monday into Tuesday should further reduce fire activity and limit new starts.

Crews are now using the favorable conditions to advance suppression efforts.

“Fire Ranger crews and aircraft are really taking advantage of the cool wet weather to move those active fires through the various stages of control until we can call them out,” Marchand said.

He explained that crews are working on strengthening containment lines around active fires while equipment is being removed from more advanced incidents for redeployment elsewhere.

Water bombers were used on at least one fire over the weekend; however, Marchand noted that aircraft are usually less needed during wet conditions.

The Ministry of Natural Resources reports that 10 Fire Ranger crews from the northeast region have been sent to assist in the northwest.

The current fire hazard ratings are low across much of the region due to recent rainfall.

Residents of Mine Centre, near Atikokan, have been allowed to return home after being evacuated on Friday due to wildfire threats.

This was the first evacuation notice issued since Ontario’s wildfire season began on April 1.

A Resident Shares Experience

For those living in the Factor Lake area near Atikokan, the rapid spread of the fire left little time for action.

Stacey O’Sullivan said conditions shifted dramatically within minutes on Friday as strong winds drove smoke and ash toward their property near Factor Lake.

“We noticed that it was quite smoky,” O’Sullivan recalled. “And then a couple of minutes later, the smoke was getting heavier and heavier, and you could see this haze in the air, and ash started falling on our clothes.”

What initially appeared as a distant threat quickly became a direct danger to their home and escape route.

“We just were kind of freaked out,” she admitted.

“We had to drive over trees that had fallen on the ground,” she added.

After evacuating , O ’ Sull ivan shared how updates began coming via text message confirming damage details.Burned remains of a Factor Lake property show aftermath from a fast-moving wildfire that destroyed multiple structures including a home and outbuildings according to resident Stacey O’Sullivan. (Makenzi Fisk)

“Before we even got to town , we were getting texts saying our woodshed was on fire ,” she explained. “And then we got other texts saying our house was on fire.”

She reported several structures were ultimately lost , including a guest house , sauna , along with outbuildings and personal items. Propane tanks at her property later exploded causing extensive damage.

O’Sullivan expressed it has been tough coming to terms with their loss.

“It’s hard to imagine , and it’s hard for it really like sink in ,” she stated.

Currently , her family is staying at a hotel while dealing with insurance claims alongside limited local options for accommodations.

The fire also took out equipment belonging to Pictograph Community Arts where O’Sullivan is involved as a board member.A fast-moving wildfire devastated multiple structures around Factor Lake near Atikokan. This image shows damage seen May 15. (Makenzi Fisk)

The Atikokan-based organization supports local arts programming workshops events tourism retail space for local artists.

Cooler Humid Conditions Are Expected To Persist

In Northeastern Ontario five small fires reported during long weekend have all been put out.

The ministry confirmed these fires occurred within Cochrane North Bay Haliburton Wawa Timmins sectors with largest one Cochrane 2 measuring roughly six hectares. The Ministry states recent rains have lowered overall hazard rating throughout northeast area down low ; humid conditions should continue through early part week. Marchand warned springtime circumstances can still change rapidly before forests fully green up. “High winds warm temperatures lower humidity can be warning signs residents should exercise caution ideally leave outdoor burning activities alone right now ,” he advised.

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