East Fire Region

June 2, 2010

There is a Restricted Fire Zone in place for northeastern Ontario.  This restriction includes areas north of the French River to the James Bay coast and from the Quebec border west to the Pic River including Manitoulin Island.  

The Restricted Fire Zone will be in effect until further notice.  All burning permits are suspended and all open air burning, including campfires, is prohibited.  Within a Restricted Fire Zone, campers can still use portable gas or propane cook stoves for cooking and warmth but should exercise extreme caution.  

Fireworks are permitted during a Restricted Fire Zone, however, they must be discharged at least 300 metres from a forested area and all residue from the fireworks must be completely extinguished.

There were 23 new fires confirmed in the East Fire Region on June 1.  Eleven fires were confirmed in the Sudbury district, six in the Sault Ste. Marie district, two in the Wawa district, two in the Timmins district and two in the North Bay district.  One fire has been confirmed so far on June 2.  Recent precipitation, higher humidities and cloud cover have provided some relief.

Suppression efforts on Wawa 18 continue and good progress is being made on the fire. Perimeter fire guards have been constructed using hose lines and heavy equipment.  Recent weather has provided some relief and will allow good progress on line consolidation around the fire.  MNR has enabled Hydro One power line crews to complete the repair of damaged transmission lines and restore power to the town of Chapleau.

An Emergency Area Order remains in effect for the area surrounding Wawa 18.  Under the order, MNR is prohibiting travel on the following roads: Much Lake Road within the EAO area starting 1 km south of Provincial Hwy. 101; Ripple Lake Road; Shakashi Road; Bluff Lake Road; Jackpine River Road; and Jackpine Road.

Residents are reminded that if found responsible for a forest fire, they can be charged under the Forest Fires Prevention Act and/or be liable for the costs of suppressing the fire.  This cost can easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars.

Be FireSmart, visit ontario.ca/fireprevention for more information on how to prevent forest fires.

310-FIRE (3473) is the new, toll-free emergency forest fire reporting phone number across northern Ontario.  The number will operate north of the French and Mattawa Rivers.