Fire crews with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry are keeping busy, with 76 active forest fires currently burning across the region.
On Wednesday afternoon, crews confirmed nine new fires in the region.
- Dryden 58 is under control at 0.1 hectares and is located south of Borups Corners, approximately 50 kilometres southeast of Dryden.
- Dryden 59 is not under control at 0.3 hectares and is located on an island on Shikag Lake, approximately 140 kilometres east of Dryden
- Fort Frances 53 is under control at 0.1 hectares and is located southeast of Entwine Lake, 81 kilometres northeast of Fort Frances
- Fort Frances 54 is under control at 0.2 hectares and is located north of Eltrut Lake, approximately 86 kilometres northeast of Fort Frances
- Nipigon 59 is not under control at 1 hectare and is located north of d’Orsonnens Lake, approximately 94 kilometres northeast of Armstrong.
- Dryden 60 is not under control at 0.1 hectares and is located south of Borups Corner, approximately 52 kilometres southeast of Dryden.
- Thunder Bay 54 is not under control at 0.2 hectares and is located southwest of Mojikit Lake, approximately 55 kilometres northeast of Armstrong.
- Fort Frances 55 is being held at 0.1 hectares and is located south of Nickle Lake, approximately 23 kilometres northeast of Fort Frances.
- Nipigon Fire Number 60 is not under control at 0.1 hectares and is located near Purdom Lake, approximately 22 kilometres northwest of Nipigon.
The ministry adds that due to several large fires in the Woodland Caribou Provincial Park, travel restrictions are in place for backcountry travellers. Canoe routes and access to a number of lakes have been closed until fires in the area die down.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has put a Restricted Fire Zone in place across most of the region until further notice. During the Restricted Fire Zone, the use of open fires – such as campfires or burning of debris – is not permitted.
Failure to comply with a Restricted Fire Zone could result in a fine of up to $25,000 and three months in jail, as well as the financial responsibility for the costs incurred in fighting a forest fire caused by the illegal act.
For more information:
Restricted Fire Zone in effect
Ministry seeking fire starting suspects
