THUNDER BAY – Wild Fire Update – There were multiple new fires confirmed by the afternoon of June 27. At the time of this report, 13 new fires have been confirmed in the Northwest Region. More fire reports were being investigated at the time of this update. New fires have been reported in the following districts: Red Lake; Nipigon; Sioux Lookout; Thunder Bay; and Kenora.
There were 16 new fires in the Northwest Region on June 26; four in the Nipigon District and 12 in the Red Lake District.
Nipigon District flew reconnaissance over fires in the north. Nipigon Fire Number 017 has grown in size and was mapped at 13,200 hectares. It is located about 45 kilometers east of Kasabonika Lake First Nation. The Nipigon District will be assessing the fire today to check on values in the vicinity of this monitored fire.
One fire of note is Red Lake District Fire Number 025 burning at the north end of Wrist Lake in Woodland Caribou Park. It is a lightning-caused fire that is being observed and last reported at 130 hectares in size. Visitors and canoeists planning to travel in the park should check with park officials about fire locations to ensure safe travel. An active fires map is available online at ontario.ca/forestfire
The forest fire hazard is moderate in the western sectors and high to extreme in the eastern sectors of the region.
Out of Province
Just as the Ontario deployment of resources is coming to an end in Alberta, new resources are being sent to support forest fire management efforts in the Northwest Territories. 42 personnel are scheduled to deploy to the Northwest Territories today including FireRanger crews, an Agency Representative, and a Fire Behaviour Analyst.
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).
