THUNDER BAY – WILDFIRE UPDATE – There were four new fires confirmed in the Northwest Region by the early evening of Aug. 29.
At the time of this update there were 48 active fires in the Northwest Region. One of those fires was not under control, six were under control and 41 were under observation.
New fires for Aug. 29
- Sioux Lookout Fire 153 is located just inside the western boundary of Wabakimi Provincial Park, approximately 236 kilometres north/northwest of Thunder Bay. The 0.1 hectare fire is being observed.
- Thunder Bay Fire 61 is located near Flindt lake in Wabakimi Provincial Park, approximately 229 kilometres north/northwest of Thunder Bay. The 0.1 hectare fire is under control.
- Red Lake Fire 201 is located near the Troutlake River, approximately 51 kilometres east of Red Lake. The fire was declared out at 0.1 hectares.
- Sioux Lookout Fire 152 is located east of the Vermilion River, approximately 62 kilometres northeast of Sioux Lookout. The fire was declared out at 0.1 hectares.
Restricted Fire Zone lifted for Northwest Region
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has lifted the Restricted Fire Zone in place in the Northwest Region, effective 12:00 a.m. Aug. 29.
Outdoor fires are once again permitted though they should be carefully managed. For tips on safe burning practices, see Ontario.ca/fireprevention.
Fire hazard in the Northwest Region
The fire hazard in the region is predominantly low with small pockets of moderate hazard in the Dryden and Fort Frances Districts.
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. 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
