Northwest Region Fire Situation Update
Northwest Region
July 2, 2011 – 5pm
New Fires
There were two new fires in the Northwest Region by early evening on July 2, one in the Red Lake District, and one in the Sioux Lookout District.
There were also three new fires in the region on July 1. Two in the Red Lake District and one in the Sioux Lookout District. These fires were caused by lightning, and recent thunder storms have resulted in heavy lightning activity with only scattered rain throughout the storm areas. Fire activity will be on the increase over the next few days.
Fires of Note
Sioux Lookout District Fire Number 35 is classed as not under control at 65,748 hectares. Eastern sectors of this fire are still active. Firefighting crews continue to consolidate lines on the northwest, west and southwest flanks. Community members from Mishkeegogamang, who were evacuated earlier as a result of smoke from this fire, returned home on July 1.
An Emergency Area Order remains in effect and there are some restrictions to lake access on the Albany River system in the area of Sioux Lookout Fire 35. Highway 599 is open to all travel. The Forest Fire Information Hotline 1-888-258-8842 provides updated information on this.
Kenora District Fire Number 20 has been declared out. This island fire on Lake of the Woods, which started on June 13, was monitored by Kenora FireRangers as part of a fire response plan on the lake that uses fire for ecosystem maintenance and renewal.
Holiday Safety message
During the upcoming long holiday weekend, everyone is reminded to be careful with fire, to be vigilant and report forest fires and to stay clear of forest fire fighting operations. Firefighting aircraft may not see you on the ground near a forest fire, and could inadvertently drop water near you. If you see firefighting aircraft in the area, stay clear. Boaters are also advised to stay clear of water bombers scooping up water from the area lakes and rivers.
Be FireSmart!
For more information, visit ontario.ca/fireprevention and report forest fires using the
toll-free reporting number:
