Current Fire Scenario

The Northwest Region is currently grappling with 37 active fires. Among these, 1 fire remains uncontained, 2 are being held, 8 are under control, and 26 are under observation.

New Fire Incident

During the late hours of August 19, one new fire was confirmed in the Northwest Region.

New Fire Incident Details

Red Lake 73 has been identified approximately 13.1 kilometres east of Buffy Lake and 0.6 kilometres south of Whitemud Lake, situated on the southern side of Whitemud River. The fire spans an area of 0.2 hectares and is yet to be brought under control.

Fire Hazard Assessment

The Northwest Region is currently characterized by a predominant moderate to high wildland fire hazard. Notably, the Far North area demonstrates a low hazard in this regard.

Smoke Impact and Air Quality

Sections of the Northwest Region are likely to experience smoke drift originating from Western Canada. For those interested in monitoring smoke forecasts, real-time and projected smoke conditions can be accessed via FireSmoke.ca. Individuals apprehensive about potential health implications related to smoke exposure can seek guidance by contacting Telehealth Ontario at 811.

Safety Guidelines: Waterbombers and Drones

To ensure the safety of firefighting operations, it’s crucial to maintain a safe distance when waterbombers are near water bodies. By moving close to the shore, waterbombers can execute their scooping procedures without endangering surrounding watercraft. Remember that waterbombers refrain from scooping water if encroaching vessels pose a hazard.

Additionally, flying drones in proximity to forest fires is not only against the law but also perilous. Such actions can compromise the safety of pilots, firefighters, and emergency personnel involved in the fire management efforts.

Reporting Wildland Fires

To report wildland fires situated north of the French and Mattawa rivers, dial 310-FIRE. For forest fires south of these rivers, dial 911.