WAWA – Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services reported no new wildland fires in the Northeast Fire Region on Saturday, Aug. 22, while 42 fires remained active across the region.
One small fire reported after Friday evening’s update, North Bay 40, has since been declared out.
For Northwestern Ontario residents travelling east on Highway 11 or through communities in northeastern Ontario, the update is also a reminder that conditions and fire hazards can change quickly during the late-summer fire season.
42 Wildland Fires Remain Active in Northeast Region
As of the 6 p.m. EDT update on Aug. 22, Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services reported 42 active wildland fires in the Northeast Region.
Of those fires:
- 39 are being observed;
- two are being held; and
- one is under control.
No new wildland fires were confirmed in the region during the day Saturday.
North Bay 40 Declared Out
North Bay 40, identified as NOR040, was confirmed after the previous evening’s fire update.
The fire reached approximately 0.1 hectares and was located along Wicksteed Lake, about nine kilometres north of Marten Lake and 10 kilometres east of Highway 11.
The fire is now out.
That location may be of particular interest to motorists travelling the Highway 11 corridor between North Bay and communities farther north.
Check the Wildland Fire Hazard Before Heading Outdoors
Ontario’s forest fire danger rating is calculated using information from more than 130 weather stations across the province’s fire region.
Because temperature, humidity, wind and rainfall can change through the day, the hazard rating can also change.
Residents, campers, anglers, hunters and travellers should check Ontario’s interactive forest fire map before heading into forested or remote areas.
Give Waterbombers Room to Work
The province is again reminding boaters to stay clear when waterbombers approach lakes or rivers to take on water.
Watercraft should move close to shore and remain clear of the aircraft’s operating area.
A waterbomber will not scoop water if boats or other watercraft create a safety risk for the flight crew or people on the water.
Keeping the area clear allows aircraft to collect water quickly and return to the fire.
Ontario Outdoor Burning Rules Remain in Effect
Ontario’s legislated fire season runs from April 1 through Oct. 31.
Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services recommends alternatives such as composting or using local landfill services instead of burning yard waste or woody debris.
Where outdoor burning is permitted, fires may generally be started no sooner than two hours before sunset and must be extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise.
Anyone burning outdoors should have sufficient water and tools available to control the fire.
Residents should review Ontario’s outdoor fire rules and the province’s Wildland Fire Management regulation before burning.
People living within municipal boundaries must also check with their local fire department for municipal fire bans, permits or additional restrictions.
How to Report a Wildland Fire
To report a wildland fire north of the French and Mattawa rivers, call 310-FIRE (3473).
To report a wildland fire south of the French or Mattawa rivers, call 911.
Conditions can change quickly during Ontario’s fire season. Residents travelling between Northwestern and Northeastern Ontario should continue monitoring official fire information, particularly when heading into remote areas or travelling along forested highway corridors.
