Two new forest fires were reported in the Northwest Region by yesterday evening.
Fort Frances District responded to a fire on Maria Lake in Quetico Park, which was smouldering at last report.
And Thunder Bay District responded to a lightning-caused blazed that people reported flaring up within an hour of lightning being observed striking the area.
It is located near Paradise Island on Northern Lights Lake.
In other news, four ignition specialists from Ontario have been dispatched to assist Michigan with a large fire burning in the Upper Peninsula.
These specialists will assist in back burning operations to help contain the blaze.
Meanwhile, Kenora District Fire #41 is now classed as “being held” and the size has been reassessed at 150 hectares.
The forest fire hazard ranges from “low” in the far north, “moderate” through the central portions of the region, and “high” in the southern and eastern portions.
Concerns rise when fire hazards are mixed as members of the public may believe there is little risk of brush or campfires turning into forest fires.
This is not the case, as previous experience proves any source of open flame carries the risk of becoming a wildfire—even in “moderate” fire hazards.
Under the Forest Fires Prevention Act of Ontario, campfires must be kept small, attended at all times, and be put dead out before leaving.
Brush fires are to be started no sooner than two hours before sunset and put out no later than two hours after sunrise to ensure these open fires are not burning during the day when temperatures are the highest, relative humidity is low, and windy conditions may occur.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
