High to extreme fire hazard across northwest region

Thunder Bay – Wildfire Update – At the time of this update there are 44 active fires in the Northwest Region. Nine fires are not under control, eight fires are being held, 13 fires are under control and 14 fires are being observed. Four fires were called out today.

• The wildland fire hazard is high to extreme throughout the Northwest Region. Residents not residing within the boundaries of the Restricted Fire Zone (see below) are asked to consider avoiding all forms of outdoor burning while hazardous conditions persist.
• To see the fire hazard near you, consult the interactive fire map at Ontario.ca/forestfire
• Fireworks users in all parts of the region are reminded that under the Forest Fire Prevention Act (FFPA) you are responsible for extinguishing the fireworks and their residue. If you cause a wildfire due to unextinguished fireworks and residue, you can be charged and held responsible for the cost of putting out the fire.
• Eight new fires were discovered in the northwest region by the late afternoon of July 2.
  • Kenora 62 is located on an island Lake of the Woods, approximately 6.5 kilometres southwest of Kenora. The fire is being held at 0.1 hectares.
  • Sioux Lookout 34 is located near Leckey Lake, approximately 41 kilometres west of Pickle Lake. The fire is not under control at 10 hectares.
  • Fort Frances 53 is located near Mack lake in Quetico Provincial Park, approximately 60 kilometres southeast of Atikokan. The fire is not under control at 0.5 hectares.
  • Sioux Lookout 35 (6.0 hectares, being observed), Sioux Lookout 36 (10 hectares, being observed), Sioux Lookout 37 (1.0 hectare, being observed) and Sioux Lookout 38 (2.0 hectares, being observed) are a cluster of fires in the general area of Makoop Lake in the far north, approximately 60 kilometres south of Bearskin Lake.
  • Dryden 55 is located west of Avery Lake, approximately 5.3 kilometres southeast of Dinorwic. The 0.1 hectare fire is not under control.

  Restricted Fire Zone in effect in portion of the Northwest Region 

  Due to the high to extreme forest fire hazard, the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry has implemented a Restricted Fire Zone in the Kenora, Fort Frances and Dryden Districts, and southern portions of Sioux Lookout and Red Lake Districts.  The Restricted Fire Zone will be in effect until further notice. Outdoor fires are banned. Portable gas stoves may still be used BUT must be handled with extreme care.  You can learn more about Restricted Fire Zones here. For a more detailed boundary of the Restricted Fire Zone, consult the interactive fire map at Ontario.ca/forestfire

  Restrictions due to forest fire activity in the Fort Frances District
  The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Fort Frances District, is advising the public that due to extreme forest fire activity from the Fort Frances 47 fire, an Implementation Order is now in effect until further notice that restricts access and use of certain roads and Crown lands.

  All travel, use and access to the following areas are prohibited unless authorized by a travel permit issued by the Fort Frances District Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

  This includes all travel on Northwest Bay Road outside of Naicatchewenin First Nation, including West Spencer Road, Woody Road, Alex Road, and Kaiarskon South Road. Also including Charles Road south of the kilometre marker 24 and all branch roads associated with the previously identified road networks.

  All use or occupation of Crown lands, on or within 500 metres of the identified roads, is prohibited.

  For information on how to obtain a travel permit please call 807-271-0216.