Report by Chris Marchand
THUNDER BAY – WILDFIRE Update – There were four new fires confirmed in the Northwest Region by the early evening of Aug. 13.
At the time of this update, there were 72 active fires in the region. Seven of these fires were not under control, six were being held, six were under control and 53 were being observed. A total of 12 fires were declared out today by the time of this update.
Smoke drift from Western Canada continues to be visible across the region.
New fires for Aug. 13
- Kenora Fire 112 is located near Cedar Lake and Camp Robinson, approximately 51 kilometres northwest of Dryden. The 0.5 hectare fire is not under control.
- Thunder Bay Fire 52 is located north of Wabakimi Lake, approximately 68 kilometres northwest of Armstrong. The 20 hectare fire is being observed
- Sioux Lookout Fires 116 and 117 are both located near McCrea Lake, approximately 147 kilometres northeast of Sioux Lookout. Both fires are not under control at 20 hectares (#116) and 100 hectares (#117)
Fire hazard in the Northwest Region
The fire hazard in the Northwest Region is extreme in the Kenora, Fort Frances Dryden and southern portions of the Sioux Lookout and Red Lake Districts. Hazard conditions are high in the Thunder Bay while the Nipigon District shows a moderate hazard along the north shore of Lake Superior. Recent rainfall has reduced the hazard to low across much of the far north.
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
