From the MNRF
Two fires burning along the Ontario-Manitoba boundary remain listed as “not under control” at last report late yesterday afternoon.
Kenora Fire #18, in the Ingolf area about 55 km west of Kenora, last was estimated at 5,800 hectares in size.
Cooler, damp weather over the next few days will assist ground crews to continue to make progress with suppression efforts.
Under the present weather conditions, the fire is not spreading.
An Incident Management Team has been assigned to the fire and crews are making good progress tying the fire into natural barriers on the east flank.
Crews are establishing hose lines in Ingolf, as well as on the east and west flanks of the fire.
While crews continue to make progress, shifts in weather can lead to conditions changing quickly.
As such, residents are urged to be vigilant and take extreme care.
Meanwhile, Red Lake Fire #3 also remains “not under control.”
The Ontario portion of the fire is located in Woodland Caribou Provincial Park and Ontario Parks strongly cautions people to avoid the southwest portion of the park while suppression action is underway.
Assessment for closures of routes or portages continue, so people are advised to check with the park office for updates and information on possible route or access closures.
The contact number is 1-807-727-1329.
In related news, two new fires were confirmed in the Northwest Region by early yesterday evening.
Thunder Bay Fire #14, located near Kajander Lake, was reported as “under control” at 1.0 ha in size.
Thunder Bay Fire #15 was listed as “not under control” at five hectares in size.
Recent precipitation and cooler temperatures have reduced the fire hazard to “low” in most parts of he region, including the Fort Frances area.
But the Restricted Fire Zone declared Saturday remains in effect until further notice.
Under the RFZ, all open fires are prohibited. Campfires may be allowed at some organized campgrounds or parks that use approved fire pits and meet certain other criteria.
Campers should check with the owners or operators first.
People still can use portable gas stoves for cooking and warmth, but the public is asked to exercise extreme caution.
Fire staff and conservation officers strictly will enforce the restrictions on open burning.
For more information about the current fire situation, the active fires map, and the restricted fire zones, visit ontario.ca/forestfire
The Northwest Region fire information hotline (1-888-258-8842) also is available for general information updates.
Report forest fires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
