Regional Fire Situation – May 17, 2018 – Time of Report 16:47
THUNDER BAY – Four new fires emerged amidst an escalating fire hazard in the Fort Frances and Kenora Districts of the Northwest Region by the afternoon of May 17.
Fort Frances Fire 6, located between Hwy. 11 and Nickleby Lake just north of Quetico Provincial Park, has been declared out. Fort Frances Fire 7 is located west of Hwy. 502 off Mcdonald’s Inlet at Rainy Lake. At 0.4 hectares it is listed as not under control.
Kenora Fires 45 and 46 are the latest in over a dozen new lightning-caused fires to emerge over the past 24 hours in the vicinity of Umfreville Lake. Presently, only three of these small fire starts are classified as not under control.
As of the afternoon of May 17, the fire hazard was rated high to moderate in Kenora, Fort Frances, Dryden and Thunder Bay Districts. Red Lake District shows a moderate hazard with Sioux Lookout and Nipigon Districts showing moderate to low hazard for forest fires.
A Restricted Fire Zone remains in place until such time as widespread significant rainfall can stabilize the region’s hazard level overall.
Restricted Fire Zone remains in place for Northwest Region
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF) has declared a Restricted Fire Zone in the Districts of Kenora, Fort Frances, Dryden and the southern portion of the Red Lake, Thunder Bay and Sioux Lookout Districts and along the north shore of Lake Superior in the Nipigon District.
During a Restricted Fire Zone, the use of open fires – such as campfires, or burning of brush or debris, is restricted. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to $25,000 and three months in jail, as well as financial responsibility for the costs incurred in fighting a forest fire.
Portable gas or propane stoves are permitted for use for cooking or warmth, though they should be closely monitored. Portable charcoal BBQs and Hibachis are not permitted unless within 100 metres of a dwelling, or within an organized campground.
Commercial campground operators may allow their guests to enjoy campfires during a Restricted Fire Zone period provided they meet certain conditions.
The Restricted Fire Zone is a temporary measure to reduce the number of new human-caused wildfires as the Aviation Forest Fire and Emergency Services branch of the OMNRF expects the elevated forest fire hazard to continue into the foreseeable future.
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 icon.
Fire numbers and online information:
- Forest Fire Reporting Number – 310-FIRE (3473)
- Twitter account
- For guidelines on safe outdoor fire management ontario.ca/fireprevention
Report prepared by Chris Marchand
