THUNDER BAY – Wildfire Update – There were two new fires confirmed in the Northwest Region by early evening of Aug. 28.
At the time of this update there were 51 active fires in the region, 50 of which were either under observation, under control or being held. A total of seven fires were declared out throughout the day.
The sole fire in the region with a fire status of ‘not under control’ is Red Lake Fire 170 located near the Manitoba border northwest of Woodland Caribou Park. Crews are reporting good progress on the 9,401 hectare fire which has been burning since Aug. 16.
New fires for Aug. 28
- Sioux Lookout Fire 150 is located near Hwy. 516, approximately 20 kilometres northwest of Savant Lake. The fire has been declared out at 0.1 hectares
- Kenora Fire 129 is located near Beauty Lake, approximately 59 kilometres north of Kenora. The 0.1-hectare fire has been declared out.
Fire hazard in the Northwest Region
The fire hazard is currently low across the entire Northwest Region.
Smoke Drift
Smoke from large fires in 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 travelers. 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
A Restricted Fire Zone remains in place for portions of the Northwest Region 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 exist.
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 Chris Marchand
