The Ministry of Natural Resources has declared a Restricted Fire Zone in the Lake Despair area, about 30 km northwest of Fort Frances, to protect the safety of First Nation residents, cottage owners, and resource users, and to reduce the wildfire risk to property and industry values.
MNR fire management supervisor Harrold Boven said this morning a jack pine budworm infestation that occurred in this area between 2005-07 resulted in extensive dead jack pine which, in turn, has increased the risk of major forest fires that would have potential to threaten people, structural values, and the tourism and forest industry.
Fire in this area also would pose a risk to recreational activities, travel corridors, and main power lines, he added.
Boven noted the fire ban was implemented after consultation with Naicatchewenin First Nation and other Lake Despair area residents.
The Lake Despair RFZ will remain in effect until further notice. The MNR will continue to monitor the situation as the fire season progresses.
The dead wood in this area is expected to be cleared away later this spring or summer in a salvage operation that will mitigate the fire hazard posed by the dead jack pine.
(This salvage operation is being conducted after an information session held by the MNR last month saw the majority of Lake Despair area stakeholders in favour of it).
Under a Restricted Fire Zone, all burning permits are suspended and all open fires are prohibited.
Campfires may be allowed at some organized campgrounds or parks that use approved fire pits and meet certain other criteria as prescribed under the Forest Fires Prevention Act, Ontario Regulations 207/96.
Campers should check with the owners or operators first.
Within the RFZ area, people still can use portable gas stoves for cooking and warmth, but the public is asked to exercise extreme caution.
There currently are no fires burning in the West Fire Region, but fire response and suppression resources are in place to take on any new starts.
A total of 13 fires have been reported in Northwestern Ontario since the MNR fire season officially began April 1, consuming about 33 hectares in all.
The East Fire Region has seen a total of 15 fires so far, but consuming just 20 ha.
This time last year, there already had been 182 fires reported in the entire province of Ontario.
The 10-year average of fires to date is 134 while the 10-year average of hectares affected to date is 26,949.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
