BC firefighters help battle Timmins blaze

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

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Northeast Region -  Forest Fire Update (19:00, May 27)

Weather has changed in the Northeast, providing lighter winds and cooler temperatures. 

Though fire activity has slowed down a bit, the public is reminded to stay away from firefighting operations in the area.

The degree of concern remains extreme in parts of the region.

A Restricted Fire Zone remains in place in the region and the use of open fires is restricted. 

This will continue to be strictly enforced.
 
New fire starts fell sharply with two new confirmed starts in the region [Sunday]. 

Efforts by MNR FireRanger crews, British Columbia crews, heavy equipment, and air attack have allowed for fire suppression progress.
 
Smoke may continue to drift into communities from forest fires in the province as well as fires in Michigan and Quebec.
 
Timmins 9 did receive 2 mm of rain of the fire [Sunday]. 

Values protection continues to be priority and crews have been actioning the fire’s edge.

Eighty BC crews were placed on the fire to assist with suppression efforts.

The fire is currently 39518 hectares in size.
 
The City of Timmins Forest Fire Information Line: 705-360-8720

Timmins Fire Information Officer: 705-235-1372
 
Kirkland Lake 8 and 13 are now called Kirkland Lake Complex. 

An Incident Management Team is assigned to both of these fires.
 
Kirkland Lake 8 is currently 2635 hectares in size. 

Air attack worked the fire while values protection continued to be completed by FireRangers.
 
Kirkland Lake 13 is currently 717 ha in size located between area of Twitchgrass Lake and Hilda Lake, west of Hwy. 65. 
 
For information regarding Kirkland Lake 8 and 13 please call: 705-567-9291, ext. 3024; Kirkland Lake Municipal Office at 705-567-9365, ext. 221.
 
Kirkland Lake 11 is currently 58 has in size and is now Being Held by FireRanger crews.
 
Cochrane 10 is 159 ha and is Being Held with line consolidating and crews patrolling.
 
Hearst 9 is confirmed as 970 ha with on-going values protection with air attack working the fire. 

Four crews are committed to this fire. 

The fire received light rain.
 
All other fires in the district are being actioned by FireRanger crews and the support of Air Attack.
 
There are 28 active fires in the region with 49517.4 ha burned to date.
 
Evacuation/road closures, Kirkland Lake Municipal Office: 705-567-9365, ext.  221

Smoke and health related questions: Telehealth Ontario 1-866-797-0000

MTO Highway Closure Number: 1-800-268-4686, option 2 or dial  511

For Timmins District Fire information: 705-235-1372
 
Map of Current Fires in Ontario

Active Fires in Table Format

Be FireSmart! For more information, visit here and report forest fires using the toll-free reporting number: 310-FIRE (3473).

Fire hazard

A Restricted Fire Zone is currently in effect for the Northeast Fire Region, north of the French River including French River Provincial Park.

The restricted fire zone includes the MNR districts of Sudbury, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, Kirkland Lake, Hearst, Chapleau, Wawa, Cochrane and Manitoulin Island. No open burning, including campfires is permitted within the boundaries of a restricted fire zone.

Portable heaters or propane stoves may be used for cooking and warmth but must be handled with extreme caution. All burning permits are suspended.

For up to date information on the current status of the Restricted Fire Zone, please call the Northeast Region Restricted Fire Information Hotline at 1-866-357-8422.

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