By early yesterday evening, Ministry of Natural Resources fire management personnel in Fort Frances District had responded to four new fires and the potential remains for more to be reported across the region.
The fire behaviour ranged from creeping, to running and torching in trees requiring air attack to keep some in check. In addition to contending with new fire starts, firefighters had to deal with turbulent weather with gusting wind and the hazard of falling trees.
Aerial detection patrols are being flown over those areas hardest hit by lightning with the lightest rainfall amounts. Early detection of fires while they are small is an essential component in bringing them quickly under control.
Meanwhile, by day’s end on Saturday, a total of eight new fires had been reported in the Northwest Region. Two were in Dryden District, five in Fort Frances District and one in Nipigon District.
Progress continues on Kenora fire #41 southeast of Kenora. Infrared scanning continues seeking to pinpoint hot spots that are not visible but would pose a risk to flare into open flame under the right weather conditions.
Ontario Fire Ignition Specialists remain in Michigan assisting with a forest fire in the Upper Peninsula area. They have successfully completed some burn operations on that fire and more may be planned in coming days.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
