Staff
The fire hazard is “high,” with a rash of new fires reported in the Northwest Region in the past 24 hours.
Red Lake Fire #222, an island fire located a few kilometres north of Red Lake, is now “out” at 0.1 hectares.
But Red Lake Fire #223, a 0.1-ha fire, and Red Lake Fire #224, a 0.5-ha blaze, currently are classified as “not under control.”
Kenora District Fire #133 also is classified as “not under control” at 0.2 ha in size, as are Sioux Lookout Fire #151 and Fire #152 (both at 0.1 ha).
As of this morning, there were 36 active fires in the region, with 24 of those being monitored.
These include nine in Fort Frances District and one in Kenora District.
Strong winds are in the forecast for today and tomorrow, and new lightning-caused fires are a possibility over the weekend, the Ministry of Natural Resources reported.
Showers and possible thunderstorms are forecast for the southwest portions of the region, then by tomorrow a weather system will bring dry conditions.
The forecast for early next week is for sunny skies and very dry air.
This means the fire hazard, which currently is listed as “high to extreme” in the western portions of the region and “moderate” in the eastern half, will remain “extreme” in the southwest portions of the region through today.
If the rain travels through the region as forecast, then there will be a temporary dip in the hazard to “low to moderate” in the west.
However, the hazard is expected to remain “high” in the east and by Sunday, it is forecast to be “extreme” there.
In related news, hunters are asked to be alert to firefighting activity as they travel through the forested areas.
They can monitor the fire situation by visiting ontario.ca/forestfire
While out hunting and camping, people are reminded to keep their campfire and shore lunch fire small, build it on bare rock or dirt, never leave it unattended, and make sure it is dead out before leaving.
For more information, visit www.ontario.ca/fireprevention
Forest fires can be reported by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
