![The Forest Fire Hazard heading into the weekend is high in Northern Ontario](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Forest-Fire-Hazard-High-Sign-Fort-Frances-610x389.jpg)
THUNDER BAY – Wildfire Update – FireRanger crews continue to chip away at the Northwest Region’s active fire load while wet weather over the past 48 hours is keeping new fire starts to a minimum.
High drought code values in the region, a measure of moisture levels deep in the soil, are expected to influence new lightning starts as the fire hazard rebounds and fuels on the surface become more receptive to burning. Thunderstorms over the past five days have resulted in over 32,000 lightning province-wide wide.
There were four new fires confirmed in the Northwest Region by the mid-afternoon of Aug. 6.
There are currently 78 active fires in the northwest. Six of these fires are not under control, one is being held, seven are under control and 64 are under observation.
The fire hazard is moderate in the Fort Frances and portions of the Dryden District. The remainder of the Northwest Region including Kenora, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout Thunder Bay and Nipigon Districts are under a low hazard for forest fires.
New fires for Aug. 5
- Red Lake Fires 158 and 159 were located north of Para Lake, approximately 12 kilometres northwest of the town of Red Lake. Both fires were declared out at 0.1 hectares.
- Sioux Lookout Fires 108 and 109 are located near Gynane Bay on eastern Lac Seul, approximately 52 kilometres north of Sioux Lookout. Sioux Lookout Fire 108 is not under control at 2.8 hectares. Sioux Lookout Fire 109 is under control at 0.1 hectares.
Travel restrictions in Woodland Caribou Provincial Park
Forest Fires within Woodland Caribou Provincial Park in the Red Lake District have resulted in the closure of canoe routes to backcountry paddlers. Access to a number lakes within the park has also been restricted. You can find more details on these restrictions here.
To see a complete list of fires across the province click on our interactive map. You can also get the latest update on the condition of any fire by clicking the fire icon.
Fire numbers and online information:
- Forest Fire Reporting Number – 310-FIRE (3473)
- Twitter account
Report prepared by Chris Marchand