Fire danger levels have climbed to high and even extreme across northwestern Ontario due to a lengthy stretch of hot weather and minimal rainfall.
As of late Tuesday afternoon, there were 10 active wildfires in the area. Among these:
Five are not under control. Two are under control. Two are being observed. One is being held.
Ontario’s interactive forest fire map is regularly updated with the latest details on the number of fires and hazard levels throughout the province.
Chris Marchand, a fire information officer with Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services, mentioned that nine new fires were reported in the northwest just on Monday.
“We’re really hoping that members of the public will avoid these areas around active wildland fire operations, whether crews are working on the ground or boats are operating on the water or water bombers and helicopters are trying to scoop water,” Marchand said.
The largest fire in the region, Red Lake 3, spans over 1,900 hectares and is currently being monitored.
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Greenstone Fire and Emergency Services says it’s aware of an active forest fire southeast of Longlac and Ginoogaming, between Highway 11 and Caramat, Tuesday afternoon. Smoke is visible from Highway 625, Highway 11 east of Longlac near the towers, and East Road. The affected area is near Mc Kay Lake, Laponen Lake and Heinrich Lake. (Greenstone Fire and Emergency Services photo)
Areas classified as having extreme hazard levels include Kenora, Dryden, Fort Frances sectors along with parts of Red Lake, Sioux Lookout and Nipigon sectors as well as northern Thunder Bay district.
The surrounding regions face high hazard conditions.
Areas classified as having extreme hazard levels include Kenora, Dryden, Fort Frances sectors along with parts of Red Lake, Sioux Lookout and Nipigon sectors as well as northern Thunder Bay district.
The surrounding regions face high hazard conditions.
“Current and forecasted wildland fire conditions are being continuously and carefully monitored to ensure our readiness to respond to wildland fires,” Marchand said.
“There is some potential for wet weather to enter the region later in the week. However, until we see that rain, it’s difficult to predict the impact it will have on the current fire hazard.”
A partial fire ban has been in effect since Wednesday for those serviced by the West Rainy River District Fire Department; no burn permits will be issued at this time.
While residents must follow provincial outdoor burning regulations during the legislated fire season from April 1 to Oct. 31, Marchand emphasized checking with local fire departments for any additional restrictions nearby.
He also reminded people that fires should only be started no sooner than two hours before sunset and must be put out no later than two hours after sunrise.
Additionally, using alternative methods for disposing of yard debris like composting or taking it to local landfills is encouraged instead of burning it.
“You are responsible for the fires that you light; in times of high and extreme hazard like we’re in right now we recommend avoiding unnecessary outdoor burning,” said Marchand.
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