East & West Region Forest Fire Situation Update
West Fire Region
Monday, June 21 2010 – Summer
There was one new fire reported in the West Fire Region by the evening of June 21. Nipigon District Fire 37, located in the Aroland area. It is 0.1 hectares in size.
Good progress was reported on Nipigon Fire Number 35 on June 21 with minimal fire activity. The fire is responding well to suppression tactics and no problems are anticipated. It is located between Audin and Nakina and is approximately 50 hectares in size.
One fire being monitored in Quetico Provincial Park has been declared out.
Daytime burning of brush or grass fires is not permitted. These fires are to be started no sooner than two hours before sunset and put out no later than two hours after sunrise. www.ontario.ca/fireprevention
Ontario has responded to a need for assistance from northern Manitoba. One Type 1 Initial Attack fire crew from Kenora, Fort Frances, Red Lake, Dryden and Sioux Lookout Fire Management Headquarters departed the Dryden Regional Airport this afternoon bound The Pas, Manitoba. Ontario has also 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.
Ontario also has resources and personnel in Quebec, thirty 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.
Ontario also has two Fire Behavioural Analysts committed to the Northwest Territories.
East Fire Region
Currently for June 21 there have been no new fires confirmed. There was one fire reported on June 20, Chapleau 25 was a small 0.1 hectare fire that has already been called out.
Five FireRanger crews from the East Fire Region were dispatched to northern Manitoba on June 20 to assist with the fire situation there. Staff that departed, June 14, 16 and 17 for Quebec continue to assist with the fire situation there.
The forest fire hazard is moderate to high across the entire region. This is expected to reduce later in the week with predicted precipitation. To view the current forest fire hazard in your area, click here to view the Fire Danger Map.
Good progress continues on Wawa 18 which is listed as under control. An Emergency Area Order has been lifted and previous travel restrictions in place for Ripple Lake Road and Bluff Lake Road have also been lifted.
If you light a campfire ensure it is tended with extreme care. Keep your campfires small, never leave them unattended and ensure they are completely extinguished before leaving.
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 www.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.
