West & East Region Forest Fire Situation Update
West Fire Region
There were no new fires reported in the West Fire Region by the evening of June 24.
Nipigon District Fire Number 35, located about 55 kilometres west northwest of Nakina, is under control at 50.0 hectares in size. There are three Type 1 FireRanger crews and four Type 2 contract crews committed to it. The fire was infrared scanned on the morning of June 24 and no hot spots were detected. Crews will begin pulling fire hose from the fire.
Nipigon District Fire Number 38, located in the far north, about 30 kilometres south west of Eabamatoong, is classed as Being Held at 6.0 hectares. There are two Type 1 FireRanger crews committed to this fire.
Nipigon District Fire Number 39, located 40 kilometres northwest of Summer Beaver, is being monitored and at last report was 0.5 hectares in size. A reconnaissance of the fire was attempted June 24 but weather in the area prevented an observation of the fire.
Sioux Lookout Fire Number 42, a lightning-caused fire which started May 27 and was being monitored has now been declared out at 10 hectares in size. It was located about 75 kilometres northeast of Pickle Lake.
People seeking general information about the fire situation in the West Fire Region, 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 can dial the seven digit 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: One Fire Behaviour Analyst (FBAN)
In Quebec: 30 (four-person) Type 1 Initial Attack FireRanger crews; six Sector Leaders; one Division Supervisor, one Incident Commander – Type 2 and two Agency Representatives (AREP). There is also one CL- 415 Tanker Group (two-CL- 415s, one Birddog Aircraft and one Air Attack Officer). There are also 100 pump kits and 2000 lengths of hose.
In Manitoba: Ten (four-person) Type 1 Initial Attack FireRanger Crews, oneAgency Representative, one radio operator and one CL- 415 Tanker Group (two CL-415s, one Birddog Aircraft and one Air Attack Officer)
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East Fire Region
There were two confirmed fires on June 23. Cochrane 29 is 0.1 hectares in size and is under control. Chapleau 26 has been called out.
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 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.
