the MNR
Heading into the May long weekend, recreational activity and outdoor fire activity is expected to increase.
As such, people are cautioned to use extra care with all outdoor fires under these high fire hazard conditions, the Ministry of Natural Resources warned.
Three new fires were reported in the West Fire Region by yesterday evening, which follows a total of 12 new fires in the region Tuesday.
Fort Frances District has no active fires at this time.
Rising fire hazards across the region have resulted in fire behaviour on new blazes requiring aggressive attack from the air and the ground.
Dryden District had two active fires at last report. Dryden #13, located at the Ignace landfill site, is listed as “under control” at 0.2 hectares in size.
Dryden #17, located 30 km west of Ignace, is classed as “being held” at 1.7 ha in size and no problems are anticipated.
Kenora District has one active fire. Kenora #26, located about 35 km northwest of Kenora, started Tuesday.
At last report, the fire was smouldering and crews were mopping up and consolidating the line by yesterday evening.
Although 14.8 hectares in size, the fire was burning at a minimal depth of one-two cm and crews were having good success fighting it.
Nipigon District, meanwhile, is dealing with three lightning-caused fires burning in the far north, about 300 km north-northeast of Geraldton.
All small fires, ranging from 0.1-0.2 ha in size, these fires are being monitored by aerial reconnaissance.
Both Red Lake and Sioux Lookout districts are dealing with three fires while Thunder Bay District has two active fires.
In related news, a new tool for fighting forest fires, manufactured locally by a company based in Kakabeka Falls, was delivered to the Thunder Bay Fire Management Headquarters yesterday.
A new forest fire engine to be used by FireRangers to fight wildfires in areas that are road accessible is designed to carry a crew, 1,000 gallons of water, and all the specialized firefighting equipment required to get the job done.
It was built by Holland Enterprises in Kakabeka Falls.
