Northwest Region Forest Fire Situation Update
June 29, 2011
New Fires
There were two new lightning-caused fires reported in the Red Lake District on June 28, one of which is already out. There were three news fires reported in the Sioux Lookout District of the region by late evening of June 29. FireRangers are taking action on the new fires.
Fire of Note – Sioux Lookout District Fire Number 35
The residents of Mishkeegogamang First Nation will return to the community Friday July 1, 2011. The decision was recommended by the Ministry of Natural Resources based on ongoing fire suppression efforts and forecasted weather.
Changes in wind direction and weather could lead to smoke returning to the community. A contingency plan is being developed to deal with the evacuation of Phase One community members if required, including the elderly, youth or those with health concerns.
To help facilitate Friday’s return, the Ministry of Natural Resources, with Mishkeegogamang Leadership, is organizing transportation as well as securing health services and assessing infrastructure (including the water treatment plant) with other agencies. These services are being organized in advance to ensure an orderly arrival in Mishkeegogamang.
Information will be provided to all host communities regarding travel arrangements.
The Emergency Area Order remains in place. Travel restrictions on Highway 599 will remain in effect until 7 am on Friday July 1, 2011. Any further details regarding restrictions will be announced as information becomes available.
Ongoing fires
Fort Frances District continues to monitor two fires in Quetico Park. Fort Frances Fire Number 006 and 009 have been quiet for several days, showing no smoke or fire activity.
Kenora District is monitoring a fire on Lake of the Woods. The two hectare fire has also been quiet for several days.
Red Lake District has been busy with new lighting-caused fires. They have challenged crews with spot fires on some requiring aggressive attack. Red Lake Fire Number 19, located about 30 kilometres southwest of Sandy Lake in the far north required air attack in the initial stages on June 28. FireRanger crews are finding depths of burn on this fire of up to 30 and 40 centimetres into the organic layer on the forest floor. This will require a lot of work by crews to dig out all of the hot spots and extinguish them.
MORE RESOURCES
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Forest Fire Information Hotline – 1-888-258-8842
