Fire Hazard High in Far North

THUNDER BAY – WILD FIRE UPDATE – There were no new fires confirmed by the afternoon of June 8 but FireRangers were responding to new fire reports at the time of this report. The forest fire hazard is low in the southern sectors and high in the far north. Red Lake District Fire Number 11 is under control at 147 hectares. Precipitation is in the forecast for the next few days.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is advising the public that there is smoke drifting into the area from large fires burning in the western provinces. It is expected that smoky conditions will exist until weather patterns change. People with urgent health concerns relating to smoke should direct their calls to TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

Out of Province

Ontario continues to support Alberta firefighting efforts. Currently there are 103 personnel in Alberta along with pumps and hose equipment from Ontario, and 1 personnel in Manitoba on a training assignment.

The Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services program is reminding people that they are responsible for safe outdoor fire management and must follow guidelines set out in the Forest Fires Prevention Act of Ontario including no day burning of brush or grass fires. Campfires are to be tended at all times and put out before leaving.

For further tips on how to be FireSmart, visit ontario.ca/firesmart

For more information about the current fire situation and the active fires map, ontario.ca/forestfire

The Northwest Region Fire Information Hotline is available for general information updates – 1-888-258-8842

Report forest fires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).