14 New Fires Confirmed
By Deb McLean
THUNDER BAY – FIRE UPDATE – There were three new fires confirmed by the afternoon of August 21 in the Northwest Region and 14 new fires confirmed by day’s end on August 20. There were 151 active fires in the region in various states of suppression on the afternoon of August 21.
Ontario provided aerial suppression support to the province of Manitoba on August 20 on a fire close to the border.
The situation in the community of Nibinamik has stabilized and plans are under way for community members to be returned home. Flights were scheduled to begin August 21 and will continue on August 22.
The forest fire hazard is low across the central sectors of the region as a result of recent rain. The hazard is moderate in the south and the north and when the weather clears, more lightning-caused fires are expected to appear.
Nipigon District Fire Number 099 in the Kama Hills area north of Nipigon has a travel advisory to ensure firefighter and public safety. Individuals travelling the Camp 81 Road may encounter closures to some spur roads (e.g. Main Road 7) to ensure safety and support fire suppression. Recreational users may want to consider alternate routes like the Lachance or Gorge Creek roads instead.
A fire is being monitored on Lac Seul in the Sioux Lookout District. SLK123 is being managed under the Lac Seul Conservation Reserve Fire Response Plan to restore and maintain the ecosystem on the island. This fire is within the Lac Seul Islands Conservation Reserve and is not being extinguished in order to achieve the ecological benefits of natural fire on the landscape. Signs are posted on the island alerting the public to the fire situation and advising the public to keep a safe distance away from the island until the fire has been called out and all signs have been removed.
To track the fire hazards and to see a complete list of fires across the province click on our interactive map. You can also get the latest update on the condition of any fire by clicking the fire icons.
The public is urged to take an active role in preventing more fires. This can be done by not burning when it is windy, monitoring your fire and ensuring that you have water nearby to extinguish your fire. As a reminder, there is no day burning of brush and grass.
Planning to have a campfire?
Here are some tips on how to safely enjoy your campfire and avoid the costs and dangers that can arise from an unextinguished or unattended campfire:
- Choose your site carefully. Select a site with easy access to water that is sheltered from high winds. The fire must be built on bare rock or non-combustible material.
- Prepare the site. Clear a one metre space around your campfire site and remove all pine needles, grasses, leaves and twigs.
- Keep your fire small. By law, your campfire cannot exceed one metre in height and one metre in diameter.
- Stay nearby. Never leave your campfire unattended.
- Put your fire out. Soak your fire with water.
- Be sure the fire is extinguished. Stir the ashes with a stick to uncover hot coals and then soak it again!
Ontario has increased the maximum fines for individuals and corporations for starting forest fires.
Increased Fines for Starting a Forest Fire
Fire numbers and online information:
- Forest Fire Reporting Number – 310-FIRE (3473)
- Follow us on Twitter: in English @ONForestFires or in French @ONFeuDeForêt
- For guidelines on safe outdoor fire management ontario.ca/fireprevention
