Fire situation still quiet

    No new fires were reported over the weekend, and there is no active fires in the Northwest Region, reported the Ministry of Natural Resources fire management headquarters.
    But with some sunny conditions in the region the fire hazard is now a mix of “low” to “moderate” which is an increase in the hazard.
 People are reminded that during the fire season there is no day burning allowed for brush or grass fires. Under the Forest Fires Prevention Act of Ontario, such fires are to be started no sooner than two hours before sunset and are to be put out no later than two hours after sunrise.         Campfires are allowed during the day but like the other outdoor fires they must be kept small, they are to be attended at all times and put dead out before leaving the site.
     Fire fighters around the region are taking advantage of the lull in fire activity to participate in training courses, complete equipment audits, and conduct proficiency training.
    Meanwhile, MNR Geraldton area office in the Nipigon District is continuing to issue an advisory to the public asking them to use care and caution while traveling on resource access roads within the Kenogami Forest. Many of the resource access roads have not received regular maintenance, which may present an inherent danger to travellers.
     The presence of water over the road, road washouts or heavy rutting is ever present on such roads, and poses a real risk to travelers. The public should avoid traveling on unfamiliar roads and traversing any submerged roadbeds. Even those travel routes considered familiar should be done with care and caution, and at reduced speeds.
 The recent period of prolonged rainfall, combined with heavy rainfall events, has increased the risk of road washouts and flash flooding. Backcountry water levels are high with heavy stream flows being experienced throughout the area and, occasionally, along natural drainage paths which would otherwise be relatively dry at this time of year. 
    The Nipigon MNR District office has received numerous reports regarding road washouts and water over roadbeds. Reports of new or potential washouts would be appreciated so that warnings can be posted.