THUNDER BAY – There were 15 new fires confirmed in the region by the afternoon of August 26.
- Kenora 125 is being held at 1.8 hectares and is located near Lount Lake, approximately 44 kilometres northeast of Kenora.
- Kenora 126 has been declared out at 0.1 hectares and was located near Lount Lake, approximately 44 kilometres northeast of Kenora.
- Dryden 67 is not under control at 1.3 hectares and is located near Winnage Lake, approximately 63 kilometres west of Dryden
- Kenora 127 is under control at 0.1 hectares and is located near Mahree Lake, approximately 30 kilometres east of Kenora
- Dryden 68 has been declared out at 0.1 hectares and was located near Thunder Lake, approximately 14 kilometres east of Dryden.
- Red Lake 192 is not under control at 2 hectares and is located west of Pakwash Lake, approximately 32 kilometres south of Red Lake.
- Fort Frances 70 is not under control at 0.1 hectares and is located near Entwine Lake, approximately 88 kilometres northeast of Fort Frances
- Kenora 128 is being held at 0.1 hectares and is located near Bays Lake, approximately 41 kilometres north of Kenora.
- Red Lake 193 is not under control at 0.2 hectares and is located near Trout Lake, approximately 34 kilometres northeast of Red Lake.
- Red Lake 194 is not under control at 0.5 hectares and is located near Dunphy Lake, approximately 62 kilometres northeast of Red Lake.
- Red Lake 195 is not under control at 2.5 hectares and is located near Pedlar Lake, approximately 54 kilometres north of Red Lake.
- Red Lake 196 is not under control at 0.2 hectares and is located near Dunphy Lake, approximately 62 kilometres northeast of Red Lake.
- Red Lake 197 is not under control at 0.1 hectares and is located near Nungesser Lake, approximately 55 kilometres northeast of Red Lake.
- Red Lake 198 is not under control at 0.1 hectares and is located near Stout Lake, approximately 6 kilometres northwest of Poplar Hill First Nation.
- Red Lake 199 is not under control at 0.1 hectares and is located near Schroeml Lake, approximately 46 kilometres south of Red Lake.
There are 62 active fires in the region, 51 of which are either under observation, being held or under control. Four fires have been called out at the time of this report.
Fire hazard in the Northwest Region
The forest fire hazard is predominantly moderate to high across the region with a few pockets of low hazard.
Smoke Drift
Smoke from large fires in Western Canada and the US continues to drift east and will affect areas throughout Northern Ontario for today. For information about the impacts smoke on your health please contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
Ontario Parks restricts access in Woodland Caribou, Wabakimi and Quetico Provincial Park
Forest fires in Woodland Caribou Park, Wabakimi Provincial Park and Quetico Provincial 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.
Restricted Fire Zone
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has declared a Restricted Fire Zone for portions of the Northwest Region, effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 16 until further notice.
This order is required to reduce the possibility of unwanted human-caused fires. Resources are presently adequate though the potential for problematic fires exists.
The Restricted Fire Zone includes the Kenora, Fort Frances and Dryden Districts, as well as the southern portions of Red Lake, Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay Districts.
Excluded from the Restricted Fire Zone is the City of Thunder Bay and organized municipalities of Neebing, Gillies, O’Connor, Oliver/Paipoonge, Shuniah and Dorion.
The unincorporated areas of Pass Lake and Sleeping Giant Provincial Park are also excluded from the Restricted Fire Zone. Residents outside the Restricted Fire Zone are urged to check with the municipal fire department for local burning restrictions.
The use of open fires, such as campfires or burning of debris is not permitted. Portable gas and propane are allowed but must be safely managed. Commercial campground operators may allow their guests to have a campfire during a Restricted Fire Zone provided certain conditions are met.
Failure to comply with a Restricted Fire Zone could result in a fine of up to $25,000 and three months in jail, as well as the financial responsibility for the costs incurred in fighting a forest fire caused by the illegal act.
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 Jonathan Scott
