THUNDER BAY – WILDFIRE UPDATE – Cooler weather over the weekend helped in the fire situation across Northwestern Ontario. There were no new fires by the evening of May 16 in the Northwest Region but one new fire was confirmed in the Thunder Bay District by day’s end on May 15.
The forest fire hazard is currently moderate but it is expected to rise across the region through the week.
A Restricted Fire Zone remains in place in the Northwest Region except the far north.
Fire crews continue to make good progress containing Kenora Fire 018 and by day’s end on May 17 all road restrictions connected to this fire are expected to end.
Red Lake Fire 003 is listed as not under control and is straddling the border between Ontario and Manitoba. The fire has been mapped at 75 000 hectares – this total includes both the Manitoba and Ontario portions of the fire.
The Ontario portion of the fire is located in Woodland Caribou Provincial Park and Ontario Parks caution people to avoid the southwest portion of the park while suppression action is under way. People are advised to check with the park office for updates and information on possible route or access closures. The contact number is 807-727-1329.
Notices for Aviation
NOTAM – There are NOTAM advisories in place for Red Lake District Fire Number 003 and Manitoba Fire 013 regarding flight operations over the fires including the Woodland Caribou Provincial Park area west of Red Lake. Pilots can access the NOTAM information at the following website – https://flightplanning.navcanada.ca – Red Lake
Aircraft requiring authorization to enter or depart the NOTAM area can contact the following:
Manitoba Area
- Lac Du Bonnet Fire Centre @ 204-345-1414 or 204-277-5450
Ontario Area
- Red Lake Fire Management Headquarters @ 807-727-2055
Firefighting aircraft are utilizing and monitoring VHF-AM Frequency 122.40 within both NOTAM areas.
Out of Province
Ontario deployed 82 personnel on the afternoon of May 6 to support firefighting efforts in Alberta and plans to send additional personnel, including fire crews and overhead staff early next week. Ontario has adequate resources to continue fighting fires in this province while supporting Alberta with additional personnel and equipment.
For more information about the current fire situation, the active fires map and the restricted fire zones go to ontario.ca/forestfire
The Northwest Region Fire Information Hotline is available for general information updates – 1-888-258-8842
Kenora Fire 018 Public Information – 807-548-1919
Woodland Caribou Provincial Park – 807-727-1329
Report forest fires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
