While the fire hazard currently is “low” across the West Fire Region, the Ministry of Natural Resources responded to four new fires in the past few days, including two in this area.
The most recent was Fort Frances Fire #15, which was reported around 10 a.m. on Monday, said local MNR fire operations supervisor Marnie Brown.
MNR firefighters were sent to the small blaze, which is suspected to have been caused by lightning, located just northwest of Mine Centre, Brown noted.
And on Saturday night, a small lightning-caused fire was responded to on an island near Lac La Croix. The 0.1 ha. blaze was reported “out” on Sunday night.
Since the fire season began April 1, Fort Frances District has seen a total of 15 blazes, consuming 1,237.9 ha (the bulk of that being from one north of Rainy River earlier this spring).
Thunder Bay District also saw one new fire over the weekend, bringing its fires to date total up to 27. These blazes have consumed 18.7 ha altogether.
Red Lake is the only other district with an active fire. This 4.5-ha blaze is that district’s 15th since April 1, which have burned 9.2 ha in total.
Dryden District has seen just six fires since April 1, consuming 0.6 ha, while a total of 13 have been reported in Kenora District, charring 4.7 ha.
A total of 16 fires have started in Nipigon District to date, consuming 6.3 ha, while there has been eight in Sioux Lookout District, consuming 2.9 ha.
There has been a total of 99 fires to date in the West Fire Region since April 1, consuming a total of 1,285.1 ha altogether.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
