Kirkland Lake fire 'under control', area fire restriction update

FOREST FIRE UPDATE

MINISTRY OF
NATURAL RESOURCES

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Northeast fire region restricted fire zone order - update

The restricted fire zone that was declared for Northeastern Ontario on May 16 has now been lifted, effective 12:01 p.m. EDT May 31, 2012.

Residents are reminded that local burning restrictions may still be in place and to check with municipal officials before doing burning of any kind.

After a string of quiet days fire activity picked up again on Wednesday May 30.

Thirteen new fires were confirmed in the province, all of them in the Northeast Region and almost all lightning-caused.

The starts were mostly small and posed few control problems.

Presently there are 27 fires active in the province and 48,157 hectares burning.

Fire rangers made excellent progress on all existing fires on Wednesday.

Fire Kirkland Lake 8 has now been declared under control.

Thursday May 31 should be similar to Wednesday, with a reasonable number of new lightning fires appearing in the Northeast.

After a lengthy period of rain, drying is now taking place in the Northwest Region and some human-caused fires could appear.

Some resources will be returning to the Northwest over the next few days in anticipation of the fire hazard increasing there.

The improving fire situation in Ontario has allowed some out of province resources to be released.

Four waterbombers from Manitoba returned home over the last two days.

There are currently 164 out of province fire personnel working in Ontario as well as two CL-415 waterbombers from Newfoundland.

Ontario appreciates all the support it has received from other provinces.

With the weekend approaching all Ontarians are reminded to be prudent and to continue taking precautions to prevent new wildfires.

Learn about how to become fire smart here

To report a forest fire in northern Ontario, call 310-FIRE (3473).

Northeast Region

Please note that the Restricted Fire Zone that was previously in place for the Northeast Region, north of the French River has now been lifted.  

The following is an update of larger fires in the region.

Timmins 9 is currently 39,518 hectares in size.

Hose lines continue to be established on the fire, and heavy equipment continues to work the perimeter.

The fire is still listed as not under control.

Kirkland Lake 8 is currently 2,326 hectares in size and has just been classed as under control.

Values protection equipment has been removed from most accessible structures, and fire rangers will continue to be staggered along the eastern flank of the fire to lay more hose and work hotspots in the area.

Kirkland Lake 13 is currently 696 hectares in size located between area of Twitchgrass Lake and Hilda Lake, west of Hwy 65.

The fire is not threatening either community of Elk Lake or Matachewan, and possesses minimal risk to highways and hydro infrastructure in the area.

Crews have worked diligently to consolidate line and have tied in an estimated 50 percent using heavy equipment and ground crews.

Manitoba fire rangers have also arrived, and are assisting with efforts on this fire.

Cochrane 10 is 159 hectares and is being held with line consolidating and crews patrolling continuing.

An infra-red scan is set to occur this morning to search for potential hot spots.  

Hearst 9 is currently 654 hectares.

Some precipitation was received on the fire, and progress continues to be made.

All other fires in the district are being actioned by fire ranger crews and the support of air attack.

For highway closure information, please call the MTO at 1-800-268-4686 option 2, or visit the MTO website

Local Travel Restrictions

Kirkland Lake Municipal Information Line:
1-705-567-9365

Town of Kirkland Lake web updates

City of Timmins web updates

Timmins District MNR:
1-705-235-1300

Northeast Region Fire Information Line:
1-866-357-8422


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