Fire crews making progress in northeast

Fire activity slowed May 22 with 11 new fires confirmed, all but one in the northeast region, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Ontario FireRangers moved swiftly on these new starts and only three remain out of control.

With new starts less of a challenge, FireRangers were able to make gains on active fires in the northeast. As of the latest update from the MNR on May 23, there are currently 38 actives fires in the region, burning a total of 28,249.4 hectares. There are currently 42 active fires in the province and 29,303 hectares burning. To date, there have been 165 fires in the northeast, having burnt 28,534 hectares.

Kirkland Lake 08 remains stable in size at 2,757 hectares. FireRangers made good progress working on the southeast flank of the fire, according to the MNR. Values protection with sprinkler kits continues to take place near the fire’s perimeter. Five helicopters, as well as a fire engine, worked the fire May 22.

An incident management team arrived in Kirkland Lake and will be assuming control of the fire. The Town of Kirkland Lake is posting regular local updates on its official website.

Fire Timmins 09 also remained stable at 21,088 hectares, due to rain and cooler temperatures. Waterbombers provided support on the north end of the fire. FireRanger crews continued with values protection. An incident management team is on site.

The MNR has requested that all people in areas including the west side of Kenogamissi Lake leave immediately. No further evacuations are being considered at this time. Bulldozers are aiding with suppression efforts on the fire as well. With little to no precipitation expected over the next week, people are reminded to remain vigilant.

There is concern that continued drying, wind and warm temperatures in the northeast will cause fire behaviour to increase as the week progresses. New lightning fires may appear over the next several days. The northwest region is expected to receive substantial rain into the weekend and this will free up resources for use in the northeast.

Highway 144 remains closed. Highway 101 is open from the Highway 144 Junction to Foleyet, but under controlled access only with OPP escort. For highway closure information, call the MTO at 1-800-268-4686, or the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Elsewhere in the northeast:

Wawa 4 is currently 3,300 hectares in size. An incident management team is on site working with resources. The fire is currently listed as not under control.

Wawa 5 is currently 50 hectares in size. Crews have been making good progress on the fire. The fire is currently listed as under control.

Timmins 5 is currently eight hectares in size. Crews continue with cleanup on this fire, and it is currently listed as under control.

Timmins 7 is currently 476.5 hectares in size. An incident management team is on site as well as crews. Clean up on the fire continues. The fire is currently listed as under control.

Kirkland Lake 5 is currently 27 hectares in size. Crews continue clean up, and it is currently under control.

Chapleau 8 is currently 195 hectares in size. Crews continue clean up on the fire, and it is listed as being held.

North Bay 8 is currently 32 hectares in size. Crews continue clean up on this fire, and it is currently listed as under control.

Posted by Arron Pickard