Heading to the Weekend Rain Lowers Wild Fire Hazard

THUNDER BAY – WILD FIRE UPDATE – There were no new fires reported by early evening of June 18 in the Northwest Region. Recent rain has eased the fire hazard in the north and although June 19 is forecast to have a moderate to high fire hazard across the region there is more rain in the forecast. This will drop the hazard to low through the region heading into the weekend

There are 13 active fires in the region including six in the Nipigon District, five in the Red Lake District and one each in the Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay District

Nipigon District Fire 023 is located about 63 kilometers west of Webequie and about 44 kilometers southeast of Kasabonika in the same general location of Nipigon Fires 16 and 19. This lightning-caused fire is classed as being observed now at 350 hectares in size.

Sioux Lookout District Fire Number 019, located about 56 km south of Kitchenuhmaykoosib is a 100 hectare lightning-caused fire. It is listed as being observed.

Red Lake District Fire Number 017 is a 410 hectare lightning-caused fire located about 10 km SSW of McIntosh Bay and about 20 kilometers southwest of Deer Lake First Nation. The community is not threatened.

Aerial ignition is planned to bring the fire to natural boundaries and to support FireRanger crews establishing a fire line on the north flank of the fire. Excellent progress was reported June 18 by the crews.

Out of Province Deployment

Ontario continues to support Alberta firefighting efforts. Currently there are 138 personnel in Alberta although 83 firefighting personnel are scheduled to return to Ontario.

The Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services program is reminding people that they are responsible for safe outdoor fire management and must follow guidelines set out in the Forest Fires Prevention Act of Ontario including no day burning of brush or grass fires. Campfires are to be tended at all times and put out before leaving.

For further tips on how to be FireSmart, visit ontario.ca/firesmart

For more information about the current fire situation and the active fires map, ontario.ca/forestfire

The Northwest Region Fire Information Hotline is available for general information updates – 1-888-258-8842

Report forest fires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).