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Forest fire update: 38 fires still burning in the northeast, two out of control

Three new fires confirmed on Saturday
030818_AM_ParrySound33-MNR-aerial-image
An aerial view of the Parry Sound 33 fire captured by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry on July 27. (Photo: Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry).

As of the afternoon of Aug. 18, 38 active forest fires are burning across the northeast, the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services branch of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry reports. 

Three new fires have been confirmed as well. Of the 38 fires, two are not yet under control, the AFFES reported Saturday. The remaining 36 are either being held, under control or being observed.

The three new fires include Sudbury 116, which is being held at 0.4 of a hectare near Weequed Lake, approximately 19 km west of Hwy 144; Sault Ste. Marie 15, which is being held at 0.6 of a hectare, approximately 14 km southeast of Elliot Lake, and; Timmins 15, a 0.1 of a hectare fire that is burning a section of bush on the east side of Pine St. South in the city of Timmins.

Not much has changed when it comes to Parry Sound 33. The fire is still being held at 11,362 hectares, as it has been for a week or so. There are still 132 firefighters on the ground mopping up hot spots. 

Travel restrictions on roads and waterways in the area of the fire have been lifted, though they remain in place within the fire perimeter. A Notice to Airmen is in place over the fire for aircraft as well.

The Lady Evelyn fire cluster is now listed as under control, though it remains 27,285 hectares in size. Infrared scanning continues to indentify hot spots and two helicopters continue with fire bucketing activities to assist the six fire crews on the ground.

If you have questions related to provincial parks, travel restrictions or the fire situation, there are several numbers you can call:

  •  For information about the fire situation: 1-888-220-7242
  •  For inquiries about French River Provincial Park restrictions: 705-857-1630 ext. 224
  •  For Parry Sound District information, including calls related travel restrictions call 1-888-220-7242
  •  For Sudbury District information, including calls related to travel restrictions call  1-888-220-7242

While resources from out of province and out of country continue to assist, there are fewer of them on hand compared to a week ago, and especially compared to July during the height of fire activity. There are 142 firefighters and support staff on hand from across Canada, the United States and Mexico.

A restricted fire zone remains in effect in areas north of Rosseau, northwest to Espanola and Cartier, over to the Quebec border including Temagami and Mattawa north of the Mattawa River. This includes Parry Sound, Burk’s Falls, Powassan, North Bay and Greater Sudbury. 

Make sure to check with the municipality before you burn.

You can view the MNRF’s active fire map here.


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