MNR Fire Situation Update – Northwest Region
MNR Waterbomber. Supplied photo
New Fires
It was scattered rainfall and high relative humidity levels that kept fire active low on August 24 in the Northwest Region; only one new fire was confirmed which was a small fire in the Kenora District that has already been called out.
Active storm systems roaming across northern Ontario have brought isolated downpours of rain, fresh lightning strikes and high gusty winds.
The last few days were busy in northwestern Ontario and the slight break new fire activity today gave FireRangers and chance to consolidate their firelines and call a few fires out.
Active Fires
There are 22 active fires in northwestern Ontario right now, none of which are posing a threat to people or property. The large majority of the active fires were ignited by lightning and 12 of the active fires are being monitored.
There are six fires in the Nipigon District, three in the Red Lake District, nine in the Sioux Lookout District, two in the Thunder Bay District and two in the Kenora District.
The Kenora Fire Management Headquarters continues to keep a close eye on two fires being monitored on Lake of the Woods in the Conservation Reserve. Kenora Fires 35 and 43 are actively renewing the ecosystem in these isolated areas. Kenora Fire 35 is located between Ferrier Island and Whiteout Island and Kenora Fire 43 is located in the mouth of French Narrows on Lake of the Woods. Both of these fires have received and Fire Assessment by an Incident Commander and are not a threat to people or property. These fires are managed under the Lake of the Woods Fire Response Plan. People are advised to avoid these areas for safety reasons. For information, please call the Kenora Fire Management Headquarters at 807-548-1919.
Fire Hazard
The forest fire hazard remains high for Quetico Provincial Park and surrounding areas east towards Thunder Bay. The rest of the region is now sitting at a low forest fire hazard. The forest fire hazard is expected to stay low over the next few days and wet weather persists.
- Information is available on safe outdoor fire management at www.ontario.ca/fireprevention.
- Check out the active fires map at www.ontario.ca/forestfire
