THUNDER BAY – The forest fire hazard across the Northwest continues to rise. There are fires across the region.
The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) report, “There were three new fires reported by the evening of July 05 in the Northwest Region and a total of six new fires reported by days end on July 04”.
Forest Fire Danger Climbs
Once again the northern districts of Red Lake, Sioux Lookout and Nipigon were the locations of multiple lightning-caused fire starts as well as one new fire in the Kenora District.
The number of active fires on July 5 in the region was 39 with an area burned over of 11,248 hectares. This brings the fire season total for the region to 216 fires and an area burned over of 12,983.1 hectares.
The forest fire hazard will ease as storm systems travel across the region in the next few days. It is expected to be in the low to moderate range in most areas except the far north which is in a high fire hazard.
Lightning is being recorded as the storms travel in from the west. The heaviest pattern of strikes is from the southwest to the northeast. Rain will help in some areas but new fires are predicted to occur as a result of the lightning.
Smoke in the Region
Reports of forest fire smoke throughout northern Ontario continue to be received from the public. In northwestern Ontario smoke is drifting into the province from large fires in Manitoba and even as far away as the Northwest Territories. In northeastern Ontario smoke is drifting into the province from large fires burning in Quebec.
New forest fires are occurring daily. To ensure public safety, be very cautious with any open flame and make sure your campfire is dead-out before leaving! Report Forest Fires, call 310-FIRE (3473)
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