THUNDER BAYThere were no new fires in the Northwest Region by the late afternoon of May 17.
Following midweek rains that reduced the fire hazard to low across the Northwest, AFFES officials expect to see the regional fire hazard rebound with a forecast for sunny skies over the long weekend.
There are two active fires in the region:
- Kenora 18 at Longpine Lake near the Manitoba border is under control.
- Fort Frances 2, approximately 15 kilometres southeast of Nestor Falls, is under control.
Fire hazard in the Northwest Region
The forest fire hazard is predominantly low across the Northwest Region with the exception of a moderate hazard in portions of the Fort Frances and Kenora Districts and pockets of moderate hazard in northern portions of the Thunder Bay and Nipigon sectors. You can check the up-to-date fire hazard in your area as well as information about active fires using our interactive map.
Prevent forest fires this May long weekend
Throughout the long weekend and beyond, adopt safe campfire practices! Choose the site of your campfire carefully to offer shelter from the wind and a base of soil or bare rock. Keep fires small and never leave them unattended. Put your fire out by drowning it with water. Be sure that it is extinguished prior to leaving the site. Stir the ashes with a stick to uncover hot coals and then drown it again. You can never be too safe.
Consider alternatives to burning brush or yard waste this weekend, such as chipping or composting when possible, or saving burn piles for the fall or after the fire season. Use of outdoor fires must follow the outdoor burning rules set out in the Forest Fire Prevention Act of Ontario. Fires are to be started no sooner than two hours before sunset and extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise. Fires should never be left unattended and tools and water should be close at hand to put the fire out. More details on outdoor burning regulations can be found online at Ontario.ca/forestfire
Fire numbers and online information:
- Forest Fire Reporting Number – 310-FIRE (3473)
