Prescribed Burns Aid in Research for MNR
Forest Fire Situation Update
West Fire Region
October 22, 2010
Although snow flurries are in the forecast, and some northern locations have already received snow in the West Fire Region, it was in fact a busy week of fire for the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services program.
Two prescribed burns were ignited and fire specialists are reporting excellent results from the controlled burns. In addition, new fires were responded to in the Fort Frances and Kenora Districts.
Currently, there are two active fires in the Fort Frances District, fires 43 and 46; and one active fire in the Kenora District, Kenora Fire Number 43.
Here is a review of the fire activity in the West Fire Region since the October 15 forest fire situation update:
Two prescribed burns were ignited in the West Fire Region on October 15.
Red Lake District ignited the Odin Lake Prescribed Burn located about 48 kilometres north, northwest of Red Lake on Odin Lake in the Valhalla region. The project area is approximately 1,400 hectares in size.
Helitorch ignites a block of storm-damaged forest at Odin Lake area in the Red Lake District.
Fire specialists report successes at the Odin Lake Prescribed Burn as new information on fire behaviour was learned.
Fort Frances District ignited the Pekagoning Lake Prescribed Burn located about 60 kilometres northwest of Atikokan at Pekagoning Lake. The project area is approximately 140 hectares in size and is partially within the Turtle River – White Otter Lake Provincial Park.
A helitorch flies over the pre-determined area for the Pekagoning Lake Prescribed Burn.
The main objective of the Pekagoning Lake Prescribed Burn is research on fire effects in storm damaged forest fuels.
On October 16 a new fire, Fort Frances District Fire Number 45 was reported. It had multiple spot fires and was put out at a size of 0.7 hectares.
On October 17, two new fires were reported, Dryden District Fire Number 41 and Fort Frances District Fire Number 46. The Dryden Fire is now out. The Fort Frances fire was found during a monitoring flight of the Pekagoning Prescribed Burn. The lightning-caused fire is located on a small island which was almost burned off. A Fire Assessment Report was done on it and the fire will be monitored until it goes out naturally.
On October 18, Kenora and Fort Frances District FireRanger crews responded to a lightning-caused fire on the Aulneau Peninsula in the Kenora District. Kenora District Fire Number 43 was smouldering with several smoky spots. It is 4.5 hectares in size and is classed as Being Held. It is expected to be called out once rain or snow falls in the area.
Kenora also responded to a second fire in the district. Kenora Fire Number 44 was declared out upon arrival.
For residents planning to do brush or grass burning for fall clean-up, they are reminded that under the Forest Fires Prevention Act of Ontario, there is no day-burning of these fires. They are to be started no sooner than two hours before sunset and be out no later than two hours after sunrise.
People pursuing hunting and recreational activities in the forest areas are cautioned to manage their campfires carefully, keeping them small, attending them at all times and making sure they are dead out before leaving the site.
