Northwest Region Forest Fire Situation Update
Provincial Overview and Emergency Management
Successful initial attack by fire crews and aircraft kept new fires small and no further problems are anticipated from new occurrences on August 6. More lightning caused fires are expected to be detected.
Progress continues on fires near communities in the far north with over 2000 fire personnel and over 100 aircraft continuing to work on these forest fires. Firefighting resources from out of province continue to assist Ontario’s efforts.
Rain is forecast to come into the northwest area of the province on August 8 which will help reduce the number of new fires as well as dampen existing fires.
Potential smoky conditions continues to be a concern in far north communities. Smoke from Red Lake Fire 124 was expected to drift in the communities of Red Lake and Pikangikum.
Fire Fighting Resources
- Individuals Engaged in Firefighting Activities – 2,000+
- Staff from Out of Province – 562
- Heavy Waterbombing Aircraft (e.g. CL-415) – 15
- Light Waterbombers (Twin Otter) – 2
- Helicopters – 84
Current Fire Situation – Northwest Region:The MNR remains actively engaged in community protection and firefighter safety as well as forest fire suppression and values protection efforts. There is at least another three or four weeks of work ahead to ensure the existing large fires are put out.
Fires of Note
- South Bay Complex – Wes Woods Incident Management Team
- Red Fire 84,
- Sioux Lookout Fire 61,
- Sioux Lookout Fire 64
The South Bay Complex has representatives from eight provinces/territories all working together to bring these fires under control. It is an example of a national exchange of resources that brings emergency response strength all across Canada.
Crews continue to make excellent progress on the fire lines which were held on all three fires. Results from infrared scans were positive, demonstrating good progress is being made. Concerns do still remain that there is potential for runs of fire in the green areas within the perimeter.
The weather forecast is looking promising with the possibility of 20 ml in the next three days followed by a short clearing of the weather and then an additional 15 ml of rain. Heli- bucket machines have kept the rates of fire spread moderate. Burned root systems are making ground work difficult and hazardous and crews remain vigilant. Crews are also continuing their monitoring of values on the lakes and maintaining protection equipment.
An Official NOTAM has been put in place for the South Bay Complex fires. Aircraft planning to enter the NOTAM area are required to call the South Bay Complex Incident Management Team at least 24 hours in advance to acquire permission by calling (613) 693-1143 or emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it To provide approval they require ETA information, call sign and destination information.
Red Fire 84
- classed as not under control
- 42,765 hectares in size:
- about 50 kilometres northeast of Ear Falls.
NORTH FLANK
An infrared scan of this area identified three hot spots which were all contained. Patrols continue along the northern section and an infrared scan is scheduled for the northeast section today. The focus remains on the northern section including the north side of Springpole Lake. Sprinkler and hose lines are being laid and heli-bucketing continues. Crews are patrolling hot spots where trees have fallen due to burned roots.
SOUTH FLANK
A new lightning-caused fire started at the southwest tip of the fire. It was attacked and is now out. Infrared scans were completed along a portion of the south end of the fire; reports so far are good, with minimal hot spots; crews have secured a 50 to 100-foot wide edge around the south east perimeter.Crews continue to work at Jeanette Lake, laying hose line to contain the fire in that location. A lot of green remains in the south end of the fire with some hot spots still being found inside the perimeter.
EAST FLANK
Hot spots continued to be managed throughout west division of the fire, including along the hydro line. All of the hotspots have been contained. Heli-bucketing cointinues on Christina Lake while hose lines were being established along Christina Lake. A large quantity of unburned forest remains inside the perimeter in this area which creates potential for flare ups.
WEST FLANK
Additional crews have been brought into the west flank of the fire to assist in consolidating existing hose line. Scans of the west side identified hotspots. Areas that were quiet along this section are starting to show life due to dry conditions. Crews are expected to tie in the perimeter of the fire on Seagrave Lake.
Sioux Fire 61
- lightning-caused
- not under control
- 4,611 hectares in size
- about 35 kilometres southwest of Cat Lake First Nation.
- Modified suppression along the northeast section
- Heli-bucketing is focused on an area between Brownstone and Graham Lakes.
Sioux Lookout Fire 64
- not under control
- 21,244 hectares in size
- about 20 kilometres southwest of the Cat Lake First Nation
- east fingers remain active and increased fire suppression activities are taking place in this area.
Red 124 – British Columbia Incident Management TeamFireRangers worked hard August 4, saving camps threatened by Red Lake Fire 124.
MNR FireRanger Warren Okanski looks back as forest fire threatens camp protected by sprinklers. Photo by Mitch Miller, courtesy OMNR Ministry of Natural Resources CL-415 Waterbomber drops water on Red Lake Fire 124 to slow the fire spread. Photo by Mitch Miller, courtesy OMNR.
MNR FireRanger Warren Okanski looks back as forest fire threatens camp protected by sprinklers. Photo by Mitch Miller, courtesy OMNR Ministry of Natural Resources CL-415 Waterbomber drops water on Red Lake Fire 124 to slow the fire spread. Photo by Mitch Miller, courtesy OMNR.
Smoke from RED 124 rises thousands of feet as the fire burns under hotdry and windy conditions. Photo by Mitch Miller, courtesy OMNR.
Red Lake District Fire 124
- lightning caused
- 11,272 hectares in size
- in Woodland Caribou Provincial Park,
- more than 40 kilometres northwest of Red Lake.
- West of Knox Lake,
- British Columbia Type 1 Incident Management Team scheduled to take command of this fire on August 7.
- The fire was very active August 6 and 7.
- predicted that the most active part of the fire will be on the northeast side between Larus and Knox.
- Fire crews establishing lines at indirect attack points on the north side of the fire,
- Ignition team will continue to assess for opportunities for burn operations.
- Fire crews continue to maintain sprinklers on values and provide ground support for the burnout operations.
- Based on the forecast the fire behaviour is predicted to subside on Monday if showers occur.
- Reconnaissance missions are ongoing to:
- ensure canoeists aren’t paddling into the area,
- inform anglers of the fire and to remind them of the fire hazard
Wabakimi Park Complex – Saskatchewan Incident Management Team – Armstrong
A Saskatchewan Incident Management Team has assumed command of the Wabakimi Park Complex based in Armstrong.
Thunder Bay Fire 50
- lightning caused
- being observered
- 19,000 hectares in size
- Very minimal growth occurred on Aug 6
- 8 sprinkler value protection units deployed
Thunder Bay Fire 51
- lightning caused
- 531 hectares in size
- in the southeast part of the park,
- approximately 30 kilometres northwest of Armstrong
- Fire Crews working on east side of fire, along the perimeter with hose lay and hand tools
- Fire Crews put out 4 hot spots along the west and north sides of the fire to prevent spread north of Funger Lake
Thunder Bay Fire 57
- lightning-caused
- 358 hectares in size
- approximately 45 kilometres northwest of Armstrong.
- total of 13 Values Protection Units set up and currently being serviced on a continuous basis
- Fire Crews in daily contact with individuals that remain at Whitewater Lake to update them
Thunder Bay Fire 58
- 141 hectares in size
- in the central west part of the park, north of Thunder Bay Fire 50,
- approximately 80 kilometres northwest of Armstrong
- very limited perimeter growth anticipated with forecast weather
Thunder Bay Fire 60
- 15 hectares in size
- in the central west part of the park, south of Thunder Bay Fire 50.
- approximately 60 kilometres northwest of Armstrong
- very limited perimeter growth anticipated with forecast weather
Musselwhite Complex: – Ryan Fawcette Incident Management Team (Sioux Lookout Fire 60, 70)
Sioux Lookout Fire 60
- lightning caused
- classed as not under control
- 19,000 hectares in size
- approximately 80 kilometres northwest of Pickle Lake
- low fire behaviour with isolated areas of torching fire in the interior
- infrared scan completed
- crews continuing excellent progress targeting and extinguishing hot spots
Sioux Lookout Fire 70
- lightning caused
- classed as not under control
- about 141,000 hectares in size
- approximately 125 kilometres northwest of Pickle Lake
- Fire behaviour low with isolated areas of open flame and torching in the interior portions
- Crews continue identifying and extinguishing hotspots.
- infrared scan was scheduled for August 7
Deer Lake/Sandy Lake Complex
COMMITTED:
- Incident Commander Clinton Glendinning,
- 1 radio operator,
- 4 crews,
- 1 helicopter
- 4 pumping units
Red Lake 27
- lightning caused
- classed as being held
- 225 hectares in size
- approximately eight kilometres south of Deer Lake
- reconnaissance assessment reports no visible fire behaviour at this time
Red Lake 58
- lightning caused
- 3565 hectares in size
- south west of the Sandy Lake First Nation community
- fire line around the perimeter of fire
- Fire fighters successfully suppressing fire
- anticipated that resources be released August 5
Red Lake 82
- lightning caused
- not under control
- 14135.5 hectares in size
- southwest of the community of Keewaywin.
Red 82
- very active again on the South West corner.
Red Lake 98
- lightning caused
- not under control
- 35.0 hectares in size
- located on an island northwest of Keewaywin
- Hose lines established around entire perimeter
North Spirit Lake – Parks Canada Incident Management Team – Red 55, 50, 52,53, 121
Red Lake Fire 55
- not under control
- 1,322 hectares in size
- north of North Spirit Lake
Red 55 has received fire and is showing minimal fire behaviour. The incoming Incident Management Team will take control of the North Spirit Lake and McDowell fires – Red Lake Fires 55, 50, 52, 53 and 121. To continue working the perimeters in towards the interior extinguishing all smokes as full suppression is the one of the main objectives.
Other Fires of Note
Sioux Lookout Fire 35 –lightning caused – classed as being held on the south, west and north flanks. The east flank remains not under control – the fire is 107,000 hectares in size:
The fire is located about nine kilometres east of the Mishkeegogamang First Nation community.The north, west and south perimeter are quiet. The east flank is smoldering with little open flame and intermittent torching. Some interior burning is expected to continue
Red Lake Fire 85 – lighting caused – being observed – 20,527 hectares in size:
This fire is located about 70 kilometres west southwest of the Pikangikum First Nation community. Red 85 received rain over the weekend and is looking quiet.
Safety Message
Residents and visitors are reminded to stay away from areas where waterbombers are working. People need to stay out of the drop zone when bombers are dropping water and out of the pick up zone when they are landing on lakes to pick up water.
Emergency Area Order – Travel Restrictions in effect in the Sioux Lookout District
Travel restrictions remain on the Musselwhite Mine Road, and portions of the Pipestone River Park remain closed to travel without a permit under an Emergency Area Order over Sioux Lookout Fires 60 and 70. Information can be found at Current Emergency Area Orders
Active Fires
- Map of Current Active Fires
- Fire Danger Map
- Forest fires can be reported by calling 310-FIRE (3473)
- For general fire questions: Forest Fire Information Hotline: 1-888-258-8842
- Smoke and health related questions: Telehealth Ontario 1-866-797-0000
MNR FireRanger crew lands on a beach and unload the helicoter with equipment to protect a camp from Red Lake Fire 124. Photo by Mitch Miller, courtesy OMNR
