THUNDER BAY – WILD FIRE Update – The warmer weather is starting to ramp up the wild fire situation in Northwestern Ontario. There were four new fires in the Northwest Region by the afternoon of June 17. Two were in the Nipigon District, one was in the Red Lake District and one was in the Sioux Lookout district.
Nipigon District Fire 022 is a 0.2 hectare fire located east of Lake Nipigon in the Caramat railway subdivision is classed as Being Held. Nipigon District Fire 023 is located about 63 kilometers west of Webequie in the same general location of Nipigon Fires 16 and 19. This lightning-caused fire is classed as not under control at 350 hectares in size.
Sioux Lookout District Fire Number 019, located about 56 km south of Kitchenuhmaykoosib is a 30 hectare lightning-caused fire. It is listed as being observed.
Red Lake District Fire Number 18 was an abandoned campfire that was put out by members of the public. It is out at 0.1 hectares in size and an investigation is ongoing. Its location is about 51 kilometres east, northeast of Ear Falls in the McKin Lake area.
One fire of note in the Red Lake District is fire number 017. This is a 200 hectare lightning-caused fire located about 10 kilometres south, southwest of Deer Lake. The community is not threatened.
Aerial ignition is planned for the southern boundary of the fire and FireRanger crews will be establishing a fire line on the north flank of the fire using air attack support when needed.
The forest fire hazard in the Northwest Region is forecast to ease to low in the north and west with rain on the way and moderate in the southern sectors.
Out of Province Wild Fire Crews
Ontario continues to support Alberta firefighting efforts. Currently there are 138 personnel in Alberta, but 83 firefighting personnel are scheduled to return to Ontario on June 18.
Be Fire Smart!
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).
