Staff
Ministry of Natural Resources fire crews faced a myriad of new blazes over the Canada Day weekend.
Six new fires were reported yesterday, including three in Sioux Lookout, District, one in Dryden District, one in Thunder Bay District, and one in Nipigon District.
There were two new fires in the Northwest Region by early evening on July 2, including one in Red Lake District and one in Sioux Lookout District.
There also were three new fires in the region on July 1, namely two in Red Lake District and one in Sioux Lookout District.
These fires were caused by lightning.
Recent thunderstorms have resulted in heavy lightning activity, with only scattered rain throughout the storm areas.
There were no new fires over the weekend here in Fort Frances District, which continues to have one active fire—a 0.3-hectare, lightning-caused blaze in Quetico Provincial Park first reported back on June 12.
It currently is “being observed.”
Sioux Lookout Fire #35, meanwhile, still is classed as “not under control” at 78,079.0 hectares.
The eastern sectors of this fire are still active.
Firefighting crews continue to consolidate lines on the northwest, west, and southwest flanks.
An Emergency Area Order remains in effect, and there are some restrictions to lake access on the Albany River system in the area of Sioux Lookout Fire #35.
Highway 599 is open to all travel.
The Forest Fire Information Hotline (1-888-258-8842) provides updated information on this.
Everyone is reminded to be careful with fire, to be vigilant and report forest fires, and to stay clear of forest firefighting operations.
Firefighting aircraft may not see you on the ground near a forest fire, and could inadvertently drop water near you.
If you see firefighting aircraft in the area, stay clear.
Boaters also are advised to stay clear of waterbombers scooping up water from the area lakes and rivers.
Report forest fires by using the toll-free reporting number: 310-FIRE (3473).
