Eight new fires were reported in the Northwest Region by 5 p.m. yesterday.
Five of those fires were located in Red Lake District, two in Dryden District, and one in Nipigon District.
As predicted, most of these new fires were lightning-caused and fire managers anticipate similar fires will appear in the coming days as the rain effects from recent storms evaporates, allowing smouldering fires to flare into life.
High humidity kept fire behaviour at a minimum for most of the day yesterday. Red Lake Fire #25 was the only exception—requiring multiple crew dispatch as well as aggressive air attack to limit its advance.
The fire grew to 3.0 hectares in size by 5 p.m. yesterday.
All the other fires reported yesterday were 0.3 ha in size and not expected to challenge the suppression efforts of FireRangers.
In the meantime, aircraft, personnel, and equipment resources are on high alert—ready to respond to new fire starts.
Aerial detection patrols will be flown over those areas at highest risk for lightning-caused fires through the day today.
The fire hazard is high and rising across all sections of Northwestern Ontario.
The public is being cautioned to manage outdoor fires carefully and to consider utilizing portable gas cook stoves, for cooking and warmth, rather than lighting an open fire.
In related news, 22 fire suppression personnel from Ontario currently are in Manitoba assisting with the forest fire situation there.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
