Fire hazard heads west

The fire hazard situation is shifting to the northwest, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Forest fire activity was quiet on June 4 with two new fires confirmed in the province, making for a total of 12 active fires burning 47,854 hectares. The fire hazard remains low in the northeast, but is climbing in the northwest region.

There was one confirmed fire June 4 in the northeast region; Cochrane 19 is currently being fought. Suppression efforts continue and good progress is being made on all existing fires.

For Timmins 9, the implementation order is still in place on a large tract of land west of Highway 144 and south of Highway 101. The fire is not likely to spread beyond existing or predetermined boundaries under prevailing and forecast conditions, according to the MNR. While people have been allowed to return to certain areas, residents are reminded to respect the fire area and that general access to these areas remains restricted as fire suppression efforts continues.

Meanwhile, Kirkland Lake 8 (2326 hectares) and 13 (696 hectares) are listed as under control. There are six FireRanger crews assigned to Kirkland Lake 8 working hotspots and the eastern flank of the fire and 25 FireRanger crews assigned to KL 13. Equipment, personnel, and resources continue to be demobilized from these fires to be retrieved for future use.

Cloud cover, intermittent rain and higher humidity will continue to depress fire activity in the northeast region for another couple of days, the MNR stated. It is a different story in the northwest where drying is now underway in several areas. Parts of the northwest will now easily support human-caused fires, and there is the possibility of a handful of new lightning fires.

However, provincewide fire activity should continue to remain low over the near term.

A total of 163 out-of-province personnel are continuing to assist on fires in Ontario.

Posted by Arron Pickard