Staff
There was one new fire in the West Fire Region yesterday, which has since been put “out.”
Thunder Bay Fire #56 was a lightning-caused blaze located at the perimeter of the Fort William First Nation.
It was less than 0.1 hectare in size, and located at the base of a tamarack tree in boggy ground.
The Thunder Bay Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire.
Meanwhile, Red Lake Fire #44, a lightning-caused blaze in a remote location east of Pikangikum and first reported Monday, has grown to 176 hectares in size.
Six FireRanger crews and five Type 2 contract crews are committed to it.
It is classed as “not under control.”
Crews continue to make progress on the fire, but extensive chainsaw work is needed as they are working with storm-damaged timber.
The burn is shallow and there are numerous smokes in the interior, but no open flame on the perimeter.
All crews are now in place on the fire.
Four other fires also are burning in the far northern sector of Sioux Lookout District.
They are being monitored and are not posing any problems.
In related news, support to British Columbia is now at 317 Ontario forest firefighting staff assisting that province.
An 184 additional personnel were scheduled for dispatch to B.C. today while 200 staff will return to Ontario tomorrow.
Ontario staff and equipment have been in B.C. since July 29.
