![Northeast-Fire-District-Mexico-Firefighter-gear-image003 A look at some of the equipment used by the highly skilled forest firefighters from Mexico who are supporting Ontario’s FireRangers on the fireline in the Cochrane sector. Photo : Jamie Barber - North Bay Fire Management Headquarters](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Northeast-Fire-District-Mexico-Firefighter-gear-image003-696x394.jpg)
Northeast Fire Region Update
Sault Ste Marie – Welcome to the Net News Ledger Wildfire Report, bringing you the latest updates on the Northeast Fire Region. Here’s what you need to know:
Active Fires and Control Status
Currently, there are 32 active wildland fires in the Northeast Region. Out of these, 1 fire is not under control, 4 fires are being held, 7 fires are under control, and 20 fires are being observed. Despite the active fires, there were no new fires reported today in the region.
Cochrane Sector Fires
Two new Cochrane sector fires have been confirmed since the last update. Cochrane 40, which was located approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Moose Factory, is now extinguished at 0.1 hectare. Cochrane 39, located around 80 kilometers southwest of Moosonee and south of Carss Creek, is being observed and currently spans 700 hectares.
Fire Hazard Levels
The fire hazard levels in the region vary across different areas. The Parry Sound, Sudbury, and Kirkland Lake regions have a low fire hazard. The central portion of the region shows mostly moderate fire hazard due to recent precipitation drying up some parts. The Cochrane region and areas further north experience a moderate to high fire hazard, with pockets of low hazard in the far north. For a detailed view of fire hazard conditions in your area, refer to our interactive map.
Notable Fires
Several fires of note have captured our attention. Cochrane 7, a massive 37,742-hectare wildfire northeast of Lake Abitibi, remains not under control since its confirmation on June 2. Cochrane 11, estimated at 805 hectares, located west of Fort Albany and south of Big Island, is being held and showing good progress in suppression efforts.
- Cochrane 7 was confirmed on June 2. It is a 37,742 hectare wildland fire is located northeast of Lake Abitibi. Ontario FireRanger Crews and helicopters are committed to the fire. They were joined today by a 20 person crew of Forest Firefighters from Mexico. The fire remains not under control.
- Cochrane 11 was confirmed on June 17. It’s estimated at 805 hectares and is located approximately 5 km west of the community of Fort Albany and south of Big Island. FireRanger crews are making good progress suppressing this fire and have been joined on the fireline by a 20 person crew of Forest Firefighters from Mexico. The fire is being held.
- Cochrane 25 is located approximately 21 kilometers southeast of Moose Factory and is now OUT.
- Chapleau 3 was confirmed on June 1. It is a 3,916 hectare wildland fire located 2 kilometres south of October Lake and 2.5 kilometres west of Vichaw Lake. It is being held.
- Chapleau 6 was confirmed on June 4. It is a 1,228 hectare wildland fire located 2.5 kilometres west of Morin Lake and 1 kilometre east of Bolkow Lake. It is being held.
Restricted Fire Zone
A restricted fire zone remains in effect for the entire fire region of Ontario, prohibiting outdoor fires. We urge residents to exercise extreme caution in activities that may spark fires, including parking or driving vehicles on dry grass or other easily ignitable forest floors.
Implementation Orders and Travel Restrictions
The MNRF Hearst-Cochrane-Kapuskasing District has implemented an order to ensure public safety and effective fire suppression. The order includes travel and use restrictions in specific areas. For detailed information on the restricted areas and to obtain travel permits, please contact the Hearst-Cochrane-Kapuskasing District office.
Help Fight Forest Fires: Stay Clear of Waterbombers and Drones
We want to remind everyone to prioritize safety and assist in fire suppression efforts. When waterbombers approach bodies of water, move close to the shore to ensure their safe operations. Remember, flying drones around forest fires is both dangerous and illegal. Please stay clear of forest fires and avoid putting the lives of pilots, firefighters, and emergency personnel at risk.
Reporting Wildland Fires
To report a wildland fire located north of the French and Mattawa rivers, dial 310-FIRE. For fires located south of the French or Mattawa rivers, dial 911.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Northeast Fire Region as we continue to monitor the situation closely. Together, let’s prioritize safety and support our brave firefighters working tirelessly to protect our communities from wildfires.