West Forest Fire Situation Update
West Fire Region
Friday, June 11, 2010
There were no new fires reported in the West Fire Region by the evening of June 11. Although rain and low forest fire hazards are keeping the fire scene quiet, there are some active fires in the region.
Red Lake District Fire Number 32, located northeast of Pikangikum is classed as Under Control at 4,417 hectares in size. A recent infrared scan of the fire showed one hotspot. Work will continue on the fire until it is declared out.
Nipigon District is planning an aerial reconnaissance into the far north once the weather improves to monitor Nipigon District Fire Number 27. Located about 330 kilometres north, northeast of Geraldton this lightning-caused fire, which started May 17 is being monitored as it is a natural renewal force in the forest. At last mapping it was 1,925 hectares in size.
Sioux Lookout District is monitoring two fires in its far north. Sioux Lookout Fire 41, located about 15 kilometres south of the community of Sachigo, is a lightning-caused fire that started May 25. It is two kilometres offshore on an island on Sachigo Lake and is being monitored and is 0.5 hectares in size. Sioux Lookout Fire Number 42 is a lightning-caused fire that started May 27. Located about 75 kilometres northeast of Pickle Lake this fire is being monitored and is 0.1 hectares in size.
Sioux Lookout District is also monitoring Sioux Lookout Fire Number 45 which started June 07. This four hectare fire, located about 16 kilometres east of the community of Weagamow is burning into a lake on the north side, and given rain and cooler weather forecasts it is not expected to grow or have any impacts on Weagamow.
There are four fires burning in provincial parks in the districts of Fort Frances (Quetico Provincial Park – 3 fires) and Thunder Bay (Wabakimi Provincial Park – 1 fire). These fires will be monitored as they burn, helping to restore ecyosystems and wildlife habitat in aging or storm-damaged forests.
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. For guidelines set out under the Forest Fires Prevention Act of Ontario – visit our website at www.ontario.ca/fireprevention.
People living in an organized municipality or First Nations community are advised check with their local fire officials for information regarding by-laws on burning.
