East & West Region Forest Fire Situation Update
West Fire Region
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
There was one new fire confirmed in the Thunder Bay District of the West Fire Region, and the Red Lake District was investigating the report of two possible new fires by the evening of June 23.
Smokey conditions are being reported in the Red Lake District as heavy smoke from large fires burning in northern Manitoba is carried by high winds from the west . This has prompted a number of general inquiry calls to the Forest Fire Reporting number.
People seeking general information about the fire situation in the West Fire Region, or an update on the smokey conditions are asked to call the West Fire Region Fire Information Hotline at 1-888-258-8842.
If they are calling to report a forest fire they should dial the seven digit forest fire reporting number – 310-FIRE (3473).
The fire hazard is low to moderate across the West Fire Region and outdoor fires such as campfires are allowed. However, daytime burning of brush or grass fires is not permitted. Those 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 resources are now providing support to the Northwest Territories, Manitoba and Quebec:
In Northwest Territories: Two Fire Behaviour Analysts (FBAN)
In Quebec: 30 (four-person) Type 1 Initial Attack FireRanger crews; six Sector Leaders; one Division Supervisor and two Agency Representatives (AREP). There is also one CL- 415 Tanker Group (two-CL- 415s, one Birddog Aircraft and oneAir Attack Officer)
In Manitoba:
Ten (four-person) Type 1 Initial Attack FireRanger Crews, oneAgency Representative, and one CL- 415 Tanker Group (two CL-415s, one Birddog Aircraft and one Air Attack Officer)
100 water pump units and 2,000 lengths of hose have also been shipped to Quebec
East Fire Region
June 23, 2010
Two new fires have been confirmed so far today, June 23. Cochrane 29 is 0.1 hectares in size and is not yet under control. Chapleau 26 is also not under control at 0.1 hectares.
Crews from the East Fire Region are assisting in both Quebec and Manitoba.
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.
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 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.
