by Jonathan Scott
THUNDER BAY – There were no new fires confirmed in the Northwest Region by the afternoon of September 3. Currently there are 146 active fires in the Northwest Region.
The forest fire hazard is low to moderate across most of the region with a pocket of high hazard in the Sioux Lookout district. Rain and cooler weather are forecast to keep the fire hazard low to moderate over the next few days.
The travel advisory for Nipigon Fire Number 099 has been lifted as of 17:00 hrs Friday September 1st.
There are fires burning in conservation reserves in the region. A prescribed burn on three islands in the Trout Lake Conservation Reserve – Namekosipiink in the Red Lake District and an island fire managed under the Lac Seul Conservation Reserve in the Sioux Lookout District.
People are advised to stay away from these areas due to possible smoky conditions and fire personnel traffic and risk due to fire activity. For more information for Red Lake call 807-727-2253 and for Sioux Lookout call 807-737-5020.
People interested in prescribed burns in Ontario can check them out on the fire page – prescribed burns
To track the fire hazards and to see a complete list of fires across the province click on our interactive map.
Provincial Resources
- There are currently 232 personnel from Ontario supporting Firefighting efforts in British Columbia, Manitoba and Parks Canada in Alberta. Ontario is also supplying equipment to British Columbia and Manitoba such as lengths of hose, water pumps, structural protection units and sprinkler kits. We have also deployed two CL-415 heavy waterbombers, a Birddog aircraft and an Air Attack Officer to Manitoba.
Planning to have a campfire?
Here are some tips on how to safely enjoy your campfire and avoid the costs and dangers that can arise from an unextinguished or unattended campfire:
- Choose your site carefully. Select a site with easy access to water that is sheltered from high winds. The fire must be built on bare rock or non-combustible material.
- Prepare the site. Clear a one metre space around your campfire site and remove all pine needles, grasses, leaves and twigs.
- Keep your fire small. By law, your campfire cannot exceed one metre in height and one metre in diameter.
- Stay nearby. Never leave your campfire unattended.
- Put your fire out. Soak your fire with water.
- Be sure the fire is extinguished. Stir the ashes with a stick to uncover hot coals and then soak it again!
