Thunder Bay – WEATHER – Fire season has started. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests will be providing regular fire update reports.
There were six new forest fires confirmed in the Northwest Region by the afternoon of April 30. Kenora District Fire Number 13 is under control at 3.2 hectares (ha) and is located near Rough Rock Lake. Kenora District Fire Number 14 is under control at 0.4 ha and is located in Wabaseemoong First Nation. Kenora District Fire Number 15 is out at 0.2 ha and was located in Grassy Narrows First Nation. Sioux Lookout District Fire Number 2 is being held at 1.0 ha and is located north of Pickle Lake. Dryden District Fire Number 9 is out at 0.1 ha and was located near Indian Lake.
Nipigon District Fire Number 5 is not under control at 1.0 ha and is located near Jackfish Lake. The remaining active fire, Kenora District Fire Number 5, is under control at 259.5 ha and is located near Umfreville Lake. The forest fire hazard is moderate to high across the region.
Every year, residents burning grass or debris ignite wildfires. In the spring, cured grass dries quickly, ignites easily and can spread out of control quickly. Before burning, consider that if your fire escapes, you could be held responsible for all the costs of suppressing the escaped fire.
The public is reminded that no burning is allowed during the day from April 1 to October 31. Residents in organized municipalities must check with their local municipal office for other burning restrictions or bylaws.
For further tips on how to be FireSmart, visit Ontario.ca/fireprevention.
For more information about the current fire situation and the active fires map, visit ontario.ca/law-and-safety/forest-fires
Report forest fires by calling 310-FIRE (3473). In regions south of the French and Mattawa rivers, forest fires can be reported by calling your local fire department.
