THUNDER BAY – Throughout the week, across Northwestern Ontario there has been the smell of smoke in the air. The MNR report that the smoke is coming from fires across the Northern United States. The smoke, and ash in the air yesterday was reported by several NNL readers.
The NASA satellite image shows the fire in northern Minnesota, and how the smoke from that fire was impacting Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.
Other communities across the region have also experienced haze and the smell of smoke in the air. Dryden has been impacted as well.
The MNR report, “Smoke from fires in the western U.S. and Canada has been entering Ontario for the last several days. This smoke has hindered aerial detection and attack efforts and has also been leading to calls from the public”.
“This situation should ease as rain and colder temperatures are in the forecast overnight September 11 and through to September 14 with clearing expected later in the week”.
The heavy rain on Monday helped clear the air in Thunder Bay.
MNR states, “Markedly colder temperatures, heavy rain and even possible snow flurries will put the clamps on fire behaviour in many areas. Widespread thunderstorm activity has been detected, however in most cases these storms are being accompanied by substantial rainfall that will limit ignition potential.
“Many FireRanger crew contracts have been extended to ensure that Ontario has sufficient resources in place until the end of the fire season in October. Extensive recycling of equipment is now underway. Some of the last out of province personnel are now returning home. Three radio operators from Alberta are scheduled to leave on Tuesday September 13. With their departure, there will be just two out of province staff remaining in Ontario”.
Satellite Image courtesy of NASA.gov
