the MNR
The Ministry of Natural Resources yesterday responded to a call for assistance fighting fires in northern Manitoba.
Bound for The Pas, Man., Type 1 initial attack fire crews from the Fort Frances, Kenora, Red Lake, Dryden, and Sioux Lookout fire management headquarters departed the Dryden Airport yesterday afternoon.
Ontario also has sent five Type 1 initial attack fire crews from the East Fire Region, two 415 waterbombers, one Birddog aircraft, one air attack officer, and one agency representative.
As of June 16, Manitoba has had 195 fires burning more than 27,000 hectares.
Meanwhile, Ontario also has resources and personnel in Quebec, including 30 four-person Type 1 initial attack fire crews, six sector leaders, one division leader, two agency representatives, two 415 waterbombers, one Birddog aircraft, and one air attack officer.
As well, Ontario has committed two fire behavioural analysts to the Northwest Territories.
In other news, no new fires were reported in the West Fire Region over the weekend, but 14 new blazes were reported by the end of the day Friday thanks to high winds and lightning strikes.
These included seven new fires in Fort Frances District, all small fires (0.1-0.2 hectares) resulting from trees falling over hydro lines.
These fires were located in and around Nickle Lake, Finland, Crystal Lake Beach, Mine Centre, and Factor Lake Road.
Meanwhile, Nipigon Fire #35 continues to receive full attack, with seven crews committed and two helicopters.
The blaze, loated between Audin and Nakina and roughly 50 ha in size, is responding well to suppression tactics and no problems are anticipated.
The cause of this fire still is being investigated.
One fire in Quetico Provincial Park, one fire north of Ogoki Post, one fire in Wabikimi Provincial Park, and two fires in the far north above Pickle Lake continue to be monitored.
These fires, all the result of lightning, are quiet and no problems are anticipated.
The MNR also has noted many members of the public reported forest fires using the toll-free emergency forest fire reporting hotline 310-FIRE (3473).
When you report a forest fire, provide the following information:
•relative size of fire;
•geographic location (i.e., road, lake, or building near by) or GPS co-ordinates; and
•condition of the fire (i.e., what colour is the smoke, is there open flames, what type of bush is burning, are there any houses near by?
These are all very helpful tips to the MNR and greatly appreciated.
