Staff
Nine new forest fires were reported in the West Fire Region over the weekend.
Fort Frances District responded to four new fires on Friday and Saturday, with a mix of human and lightning causes, but all have since been declared “out.”
However, the MNR continues to monitor two fires in Quetico Park, both of which started earlier this month.
Kenora District, meanwhile, continues to monitor Kenora Fire #20, which is described as helpful in restoring the ecosystem on an island on Lake of the Woods.
Sioux Lookout District responded to three new fires Saturday, including Sioux Lookout Fire #41, just north of Pickle Lake, which required aggressive air and ground attack.
It was classed as “not under control” at 0.3 hectares in size at last report.
Sioux Lookout Fire #35, a lightning-caused blaze abort 30 km southeast of Pickle Lake, has reached a size of about 17,500 ha.
Southeast winds were drifting smoke from the fire towards the communities of Mishkeegogamang and Pickle Lake.
This fire is expected to continue growing and fire managers are monitoring it closely.
Finally, Thunder Bay Fire #33 is responding to suppression efforts, with good work by firefighters getting a hose line around the blaze and keeping it within predetermined boundaries.
Located about 20 km northeast of Armstrong, this lightning-caused fire was “classed” as being held at 125 ha at last report.
The fire hazard is “low to moderate” in the western sectors of the region due to recent rainfall.
It remains “high to extreme” in the eastern sectors, however, with the public being urged to use caution with all outdoor fires.
