THUNDER BAY – WILDFIRE UPDATE – Lightning activity accompanied by minimal precipitation in some areas has given rise to seven new fires in the Northwest region by the early evening of July 28.
- Kenora Fire 84 is located approximately 17 kilometres east of Wabaseemoong Independent Nation (White dog). The 2.5 hectare fire, which is not under control, is located in the vicinity of one the region`s fires of note, Kenora Fire 71.
- Kenora Fire 85 is also in the vicinity of Kenora Fire 71, approximately 34 kilometres north of Minaki near Separation Rapids. The 0.4 hectare fire is currently not under control.
- Red Lake Fire 136 is located near Confusion Lake approximately 68 kilometres west of Ear Falls. The 0.4 hectare fire is not under control. This fire is also in proximity to the Kenora Fires 71 and 77 where a significant amount of fire-fighting resources are engaged.
- Red Lake Fires 137, 138 and 139 were the result of lightning strikes just northeast of Balmertown. The closest fire to the community is Red Lake Fire 139 at approximately five kilometres. Red Lake Fire 137 is approximately 10.5 kilometres distant while Red Lake Fire 138 is approximately 12 kilometres from the community. All three of these fires were not under control at the time of this update.
- Dryden Fire 26 is located near Rosamond Lake approximately 26 kilometres northwest of Dryden. The 0.1 hectare fire is not under control.
- Dryden Fire 27 is located approximately 1.7 kilometres west of Richan and Hwy. 655. The 0.1 hectare fire was not under control at the time of this update.
Kenora District is showing a high fire hazard, as are central areas of the far north in the Sioux Lookout District. Elsewhere the hazard ranges from moderate to low in the Dryden, Red Lake, Fort Frances, Thunder Bay and Nipigon Districts.
Ontario Parks restricts access in Woodland Caribou Provincial Park
Several large fires in Woodland Caribou Park have necessitated some restrictions for backcountry travellers. Ontario Parks is restricting access to some canoe routes as well as access to a number of lakes. You can find more details here.
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
Report prepared by Chris Marchand
