Time of Report 16:48 Regional Fire Situation – May 24, 2018
THUNDER BAY – Forest Fire officials are carefully watching lightning activity as unsettled weather moves into the Northwest Region from the south, May 24.
A forecast of widespread rain through much of the region has yet to materialize, instead offering pockets of localized rainfall which may fail to have a lasting effect on a high hazard for forest fires in dry spring conditions. At the time of this update, a high hazard presides over most of the region with pockets of low and moderate hazard in the Fort Frances and Thunder Bay Fire Districts. Hazard conditions in the northern reaches of the Red Lake and Sioux Lookout Districts are extreme.
There was one new fire in the Northwest Region by the afternoon of May 24. Nipigon Fire 5 is 25 hectares in size and is currently not under control.
The Northwest Region’s fire of note is Red 30 which crossed the Manitoba/Ontario provincial boundary, May 22 and is 1,600 hectares in size on the Ontario side. The fire is located approximately 60 kilometres west of the First Nation community of Poplar Hill. Officials with the OMNR Fire Program are currently assessing ignition opportunities and limited suppression with fire crews in an effort to contain the fire within natural boundaries.
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.
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
