West Fire Region

Tuesday, June 1st 2010

The forest fire hazard in northwestern Ontario continues to be low to moderate with wide sweeping rain and perception across the entire region. There have been no new fires reported for June 1^st.

West Fire Region staff, equipment and aircraft continue to support our friends in the East Fire Region of Ontario as they deal with a hectic forest fire situation. The West Fire Region has sent 30 crews and numerous support staff to help in Wawa, Sudbury, Sault St. Marie, North Bay, Chapleau, Elliot Lake and Timmins. Out of province crews that were in eastern Ontario have been released back to their home provinces or to Quebec to help out.

Currently there are eight fires being monitored in the West Fire Region, three in Quetico Provincial Park, two in Sioux Lookout, one in Thunder Bay, one in Greenstone and one in Dryden. These fires have been observed and assessed by Initial Attack Incident Commanders and will be allowed to follow fire’s natural role as a part of the ecosystem. By allowing fire back onto the landscape in these specific areas, there will be beneficial impacts to those ecosystems. Certain species of plants and trees require forest fire to rejuvenate their food sources and habitats. These fires are located in remote areas or islands and provincial parks where they do not threaten values nor will they cause discomfort to the public.