Help is on its way from Alberta, BC and Saskatchewan to help battle the forest fire concern in Ontario.
The MNRF says Fire crews from Alberta and British Columbia have now arrived in Ontario to assist with the fire situation. Fifteen three-person crews from British Columbia and ten four-person crews from Alberta will be deployed to priority fires tonight.
In the air, CL415 waterbombers and T802 Fire Boss amphibians equipment from Alberta and Saskatchewan are currently supporting Ontario’s fire suppression operations as well.
This morning, there are 69 active forest fires in Northeast Region. A total of 27 of these fires are not yet under control, while 42 are either being held, under control or being observed.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is advising the public that travel restrictions have been implemented in McLaren’s Road, Gibbons Road, Baie-Jeannne Road, South Pardo Road, and St. Joseph’s Road including George Gordon and Iron Lake Road, Red Squirrel Lake Road beyond the Jack Pine Road intersection and all access into Lady Evelyn Provincial Park in the North Bay District. These travel restrictions will help protect the public and ensure public safety.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has been asking residents of Lake Temagami to tie boats and float planes as close to the shore as possible to allow the maximum space for waterbombers and other aerial fire suppression aircraft to do their job.
When water bombers approach a body of water, boaters are asked to move closer to the shore so they can perform their scoop safely. A water bomber will not scoop from a lake or river if encroaching watercraft pose a safety hazard.
As well, smoke drift is being noted in many communities across Northeastern Ontario today, and well into cottage country due to a northerly wind.
This is smoke from several fires in Ontario. If you believe that you are seeing new smoke or you see flames, you can contact 310-FIRE if you are located north of the French and Mattawa rivers. Please contact 911 if you are located south of these rivers.
