Sunny and dry conditions in the forecast across the West Fire Region are resulting in a continual rise in the forest fire hazard and an increase in forest fire activity, the Ministry of Natural Resources reported.
The intensity of new fires also will increase and fires will begin to burn deeper, requiring longer suppression times.
The public can assist by using extra caution with all outdoor fires and preventing human-caused forest fires.
One new fire was reported in the West Fire Region by the end of yesterday, Thunder Bay Fire #20 was a 0.1-hectare human-caused blaze located east of Quetico Provincial Park, about 150 km west of Thunder Bay.
It was reported by members of the public and extinguished by an Ontario FireRanger crew. An investigation is being conducted on this fire.
Meanwhile, a fire in Fort Frances District is requiring extensive work to extinguish, including the use of heavy equipment.
Fort Frances Fire #18, located at the Black Sturgeon dump up Highway 502, initially was attacked with water pumps, foam, and a backhoe to confine it to a trench. It currently is smouldering.
Two recent fires in Thunder Bay District (#18 and #19), also located about 150 km west of Thunder Bay, have been declared “out.” The latter blaze was reported by local cottagers who had extinguished the fire.
This fire also is being investigated.
The public is reminded that day burning of brush or grass is not allowed under the Forest Fires Prevention Act of Ontario.
Burning of brush or grass should be done no sooner than two hours before sunset and it must be put it out no later than two hours after sunrise.
Choose a safe site, keep your fire small, and never leave it unattended. Also remember to ensure the fire is put dead out before leaving the site.
If you live in a municipality, check local bylaws for any burning restrictions that may apply.
