Eight New Fires in West Region
West Fire Region
October 8, 2010
Next update scheduled for October 15
There have been eight new fires in the West Fire Region since October 1 2010. The fire hazard for northwestern Ontario is moderate. Three of these fires are now out, and five are receiving suppression efforts. There are no problems expected with any of these fires and adequate resources are on hand. These fires have not exceeded 2.5ha in size as of October 8 2010.
Dryden Fire Management Headquarters has responded to five fires. Two of these fires have since been put out. The remaining three fires are being suppressed successfully and range in size form 0.3ha to 2.5ha.
Fort Frances Fire Management Headquarters has responded to two fires. One small fire has been extinguished near Pipestone Lake. One fire is being monitored on the west boundary of Quetico Provincial Park and is currently 0.4ha.
Thunder Bay Fire Management Headquarters has responded to one fire all in the last week. A small fire near Current River and highway 527 is currently 1.2ha.
Unfortunately, five out of the eight fires were human caused. Human caused fires are preventable. For residents that are planning to do brush or grass burning for fall clean-up, remember that under the Forest Fires Prevention Act of Ontario, there is no day-burning of these fires. Fires are to be started no sooner than two hours before sunset and be out no later than two hours after sunrise. Alternatives to burning the debris are taking it to a waste disposal site, chipping the piles or composting the material.
Hunters heading out to camp over the next couple of weeks are reminded to use caution with campfires that are used for cooking and heat. Keep the fires small, build the fire on mineral soil and make sure it is Dead Out before you leave.
Don’t hesitate! Report forest fires using the toll-free fire reporting number: 310-FIRE (3473).
