Caution urged in burned-out areas

With the fire hazard staying “low” in each district in Northwestern Ontario, firefighters are making great progress on active blazes.
Previous road restrictions in the Northwest Region have now been lifted and travel is allowed on all roads.
The most recent restriction—Ruffle Road east off of Jackpine Road on the Deadhorse Road system—was opened to travel at midnight yesterday.
However, people are urged to use extreme caution while travelling on back roads or hunting near areas of ongoing forest fire suppression in the Thunder Bay and Nipigon districts.
Fire personnel are travelling on back roads, both on foot and in various fire vehicles, working around fire vehicles and suppressing hot spots in densely-forested areas, so caution is essential when driving or discharging firearms.
Firefighters appreciate the co-operation received from hunters so far, as in most cases the hunters have avoided the areas of ongoing fire operations.
It is unusually busy for the fire program at this time of the year, with both ground and aerial operations continuing on a large-scale as hunting season begins.
Of particular concern is when moose hunting begins and the higher-powered rifles are used. Any use of a rifle to shoot at small game, or up into the air, could be an issue for firefighters, helicopters, and fixed wing aircraft operating close by.
At this point, fire suppression operations consist mostly of monitoring and heavy equipment operations so it is essential not to block roadways, and to give heavy trucks the right of way and refrain from hunting near heavy equipment whether it is operating or just parked.
Aerial infrared scanning is being conducted over fire areas to locate and map hot spots not visible to the human eye. This involves helicopters flying at low levels very early in the morning and late into the night when it’s easiest to find hot spots.
This infrared scanning is expected to continue any time weather conditions are favourable.
Travelling through recently burned-over areas, which may not be completely extinguished, also is hazardous.
In some cases, fire may be smouldering under roadways and could collapse under vehicle traffic. As well, the root systems of trees can be burned away, making some standing trees prone to falling.
The interior of slash piles created with heavy equipment to construct fire breaks still may be burning, too.
Call the fire information hotline (1-888-258-8842) for updated information on the forest fire situation.