Fire hazard to jump

With the forecast calling for sunny and dry conditions across the West Fire Region, the fire hazard is expected to rise this week.
As such, the Ministry of Natural Resources is encouraging the public to use caution with all outdoor fires.
The most recent fire in the region was Fort Frances Fire #17—a 0.1-hectare blaze reported burning seven km southeast of Seine River FN just before 5 p.m. yesterday.
It was classified as “under control” as of this morning.
An MNR fire crew is making good progress on the blaze and is expected to extinguish it by the end of the day, the MNR reported.
Fort Frances District also confirmed one new fire Saturday. Fort Frances Fire #16 was located just south of the Little Canoe River on Rainy Lake.
It grew to 0.5 ha. in size before being put “out” just before 8:30 p.m. that evening.
Also in Fort Frances District, Fort Frances Fire #15 was reported Friday evening near Trousers Lake. It grew to 0.2-ha before being put “out” by 11 a.m. on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the MNR continues to monitor Kenora Fire #22 on an island in the Lake of the Woods Conservation Area, which is helping to renew the forest ecosystem on the island.
It is smouldering with some open flame in old tree stumps. But it has shown minimal increase in size since the last fire assessment and still is listed at 0.1 ha.
Kenora Fire #22 was first reported back on July 9.
The only other active fires in the region are Red Lake Fire #7 and Nipigon Fire #12, which have been burning since June and July, respectively.
In other fire news, crews in other districts are involved in a variety of training and work assignments. As an example, FireRanger crews from the Dryden District will be working in the Niven Bay area of Eagle Lake to map forest fuel types on the islands.
This inventory will assist fire managers when responding to and managing future fires in that area.
In related news, Ontario continues to support other provinces and the Northwest Territories with personnel and equipment.
There is an air attack officer and an air attack officer trainee from the West Fire Region in the Northwest Territories, and equipment in both Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
Meanwhile, the public is reminded that day burning of brush or grass is not allowed under the Forest Fires Prevention Act of Ontario.
Burning of brush or grass should be done no sooner than two hours before sunset and it must be put it out no later than two hours after sunrise.
Choose a safe site, keep your fire small, and never leave it unattended. Also remember to ensure the fire is put dead out before leaving the site.
If you live in a municipality, check local bylaws for any burning restrictions that may apply.