THUNDER BAY – WILDFIRE UPDATE – There were four new fires confirmed in the Northwest Region by the early evening of Aug. 5.
At the time of this report, there were 85 active fives in the Northwest region. Ten of those fires are not under control, seven fires are being held, five are under control and 63 are under observation.
Unsettled weather has reduced the fire hazard to low in the Kenora, Red Lake, and most of the Thunder Bay District. The fire hazard is moderate to high in the Dryden, Fort Frances, Sioux Lookout and Nipigon Districts with the exception of the far north which is predominantly under a low hazard.
Rainfall was variable across the region despite depositing some impressive numbers in various locales. The far north community of Webequie recorded 40mm of rain overnight. Excellent precipitation numbers (31.7mm) were also recorded at Separation Narrows near Kenora Fire 71 where over 150 personnel are working on the fire line.
New fires for Aug. 5
- Dryden Fire 42 is located on a peninsula on Suzanne Lake, approximately 47 kilometres east of Dryden. The fire was declared out at 0.1 hectares.
- Fort Frances Fire 39 is located west of Warner Lake, approximately 41 kilometres west of Atikokan. The 0.1 hectare fire is not under control
- Fort France Fire 40 is located south of Lowry Lake, approximately 57 kilometres northeast of Fort Frances. The 0.1 hectare fire is not under control
- Fort Frances Fire 41 is located near the eastern shore of Bearpaw Lake, approximately 67 kilometres northeast of Fort Frances. The 0.1 hectare fire is being held.
Out of Province Resources in the Northwest
The Northwest is currently playing host to firefighting personnel from neighbouring provinces and the Great Lakes States.
- Quebec: 17 firefighters and 1 overhead staff
- Parks Canada: 4 firefighters
- Wisconsin: 6 firefighters
- Minnesota 13 firefighters
- Newfoundland: 4 firefighters
- Northwest Territories: 20 firefighters
- Saskatchewan: 40 firefighters, 2 overhead staff
- Alberta: 17 firefighters, 4 overhead staff
Travel restrictions in Woodland Caribou Provincial Park
Forest Fires within Woodland Caribou Provincial Park in the Red Lake District have resulted in the closure of canoe routes to backcountry paddlers. Access to a number lakes within the park has also been restricted. You can find more details on these restrictions 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
