East & West Region Forest Fire Situation Update
East Fire Region
There were no new fires today in the East Fire Region today.
There are four forest fires burning in the East Fire Region by the end of the evening of July 2. High winds and gusts coming across the province from the west are expected to dry out forest fuels further. The forest fire hazard for the East Fire Region is moderate to high.
Hearst Fire 31 is a lightning caused fire that is classed as Not Under Control at 485haThe fire is approximately 40 kilometres northeast of Kapuskasing, north of Torrance Lake, along Tucker Creek. There are no values threatened, however this area is commonly used for wilderness recreation. Anyone within Torrance Lake, Hopkins Creek area should be aware that smoky conditions may exist as a result of the fire. Twelve Type 1 Initial Attack fire crews, four helicopters and one logistics crew are committed to this fire. Crews and aircraft are using an area near Smokey Falls for staging.
Cochrane Fire 26 is a lightning caused fire that is classed as Under Control at 410ha. This fire is on the coast of Hudson Bay.
Hearst Fire 9 is Under Control at 4.5ha burning near HWY 17 west of Hearst before the turn-off for Calstock.
Wawa 18 remains Under Control at 2300ha. When the weather is cooperating fire crews scan Wawa 18 looking for any remaining hot spots that need extinguishment.
When heading to the cottage or camp this weekend, always use extreme caution with any fire. Careless campfires, shore lunches, and fireworks result in numerous forest fires every summer. These fires are preventable and taxing on the forest fire suppression resources.
As Canada Day approaches and many residents may be preparing to set off fireworks, it is important to remember that residue from fireworks must be completely extinguished. For more information click here.
Regardless of the fire hazard always build a safe campfire. Build your fire on bare soil or exposed rock, sheltered from the wind and away from tents or buildings. Keep a pail of water and shovel nearby and make sure the fire is not left unattended. Keep your fire small and when you’re finished, make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving the site. Remember to DROWN, STIR, DROWN!
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.
West Fire Region
July 2 produced two new fires for northwestern Ontario. Kenora Fire 32 was west of Perrault Falls and HWY 105. This small fire was no problem for the FireRangers who extinguished the 0.1 fire before noon. Greenstone Fire 47 is located west of Kapikotongwa Lake north of Geraldton. This fire is Not Under Control at 0.3ha.
Northwestern Ontario is experiencing windy conditions and warm temperature. The forest fire hazard is moderate and high.
Ever summer multiple wildfires result from careless camp fires, shore launches and fireworks. Don’t be responsible for a wildfire! These fires are preventable and taxing on the forest fire suppression resources. Make sure your fire is DEAD OUT before you leave.
Greenstone Fire 41 is burning approximately 30kms south of Summer Beaver and southeast of Sheridan Lake. This fire grew from 35ha to 100ha over the last 24 hours with high winds and no precipitation. It continues to be monitored in its remote location.
Greenstone Fire 44 has received air attack and has three FireRanger crews, the Community Fire Officer, and four extra firefighters from the community committed to it. The fire is classed as Not Under Control at 7.5ha.
Greenstone Fire 45 is being monitored south of the Otoskwin River before it reaches Otoskwin Lake, southwest of Lansdowne house. This lightning caused fire grew form 6ha to 40 ha today with help from the high winds.
Greenstone Fire 46 is located is the remote area between Summer Beaver and Webequie. Another lightning caused fire that grew today with the high winds from 3.0ha to 47ha.
Sioux Lookout 49 is east of Musselwhite Mine and is the largest in the West right now at over 200ha. It is being monitored and was caused by lightning. This fire is wind driven and has a moderate surface fire spreading into the tops of single trees causes some torching.
Sioux Lookout Fire 50 is east of Townshed Lake just outside the most northern tip of Wabikimi Provincial Park. This fire is quiet at 16ha. Only two smokes were found today. There are no values in the area.
Sioux Lookout 51 is northwest of the community of Muskrat Dam and remains under control at 24ha. Fire crews will start to pull equipment form this fire as they prepare to call the fire out and exit the area.
Sioux Lookout Fire 52 is northwest of Pickle Lake and also grew in size today from 20ha to 30ha. There were twelve smokes visible today during reconnaissance of the fire. This fire is being monitored and was caused by lighting. There are no values in the area.
Red Lake district has also extinguished three small fires in the last 24hrs with the help from the Community Fire Officers in Kee-Way-Win and Cat Lake.
Ontario‘s 310-FIRE (3473) toll-free, emergency forest fire reporting number, makes reporting fires in northern Ontario easier and more efficient. 310-FIRE (3473) is an easy to remember number dedicated to forest fire reporting only. 310-FIRE (3473) is not available for satellite phones or from phones outside the province, so calls from these locations should go to local Fire Management Headquarters.
