With the forest fire hazard now listed as “high to extreme” across Northwestern Ontario, the Ministry of Natural Resources said seven new fires started yesterday.
Nipigon Fire #20, first reported yesterday morning, erupted later in the day, fuelled by strong winds of up to 40 km/h. The fire grew to a size of more than 1,000 hectares by yesterday evening.
Up to four heavy CL-415 waterbombers worked on the fire yesterday, dropping nearly 6,000 litres of water with each pass.
The blaze is burning about 40 km northeast of the northern tip of Lake Nipigon.
More than 70 personnel have been mobilized from bases across the West Fire Region to assist with suppression efforts.
Meanwhile, the Kenora and Red Lake fire management headquarters each responded to one fire in their districts. Both of these fires were 0.1 ha in size and extinguished yesterday evening.
Sioux Lookout responded to two small fires and expected no problems suppressing them.
And Dryden responded to two fires yesterday afternoon.
Waterbombers and FireRanger crews responded to Dryden Fire #10, which currently is reported to be 7.0 ha in size, and to Dryden Fire # 11, which is reported at 1.3 ha.
There currently are no active fires in Fort Frances District.
The West Fire Region has seen a total of 74 fires since the fire season began April 1, consuming a total of 1,056.7 ha.
The MNR encourages everyone to use extreme caution with all outdoor fires. Consider postponing burring and using camp stoves until conditions are safer.
To report a forest fire in Northwestern Ontario, call 1-888-284-3473.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
