Several new forest fires reported over weekend

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

*************************

Forest fire situation update - Northeast Region
 
June 25, 2012 (15:30)

One new fire has been confirmed so far in the Northeast Region today, Wawa 20 at 0.1 has in size.

Over the past weekend, six new fires were confirmed in the Northeast Region.

Fires occurred in the areas of Kirkland Lake, Timmins, Hearst, Cochrane and Sault Ste. Marie.

Kirkland Lake 20 at 0.1 has was south of Matachewan.

The fire is now out.

Timmins 25 was 0.1 has near the Nat River.

The fire is now out.

Hearst 13 near Opasatika Lake was 0.1 has in size.

The fire is now out.

Sault 25 north of Thessalon was 0.1 has in size and is also out.

Cochrane 28 is currently 10 has in size in the Carss township.

The fire is not under control at this time.

Cochrane 29, west of Audrey Lake is currently two has and not under control.

Progress continued on existing fires throughout the weekend. Cochrane 25 was declared Out at 210 has, while efforts continued on TIM 9 in the form of crews and bucketing helicopters actioning hotspots.

A reminder to the public to stay clear, and not try to action the fire, as aircraft and crews may be coming in the area.

The public should exercise caution when driving through the interior of the fire; fire crews continue to work along roads.

We advise the public to not walk through the interior of the burn or stop at hotspots.

The fire has potentially burnt tree roots, giving trees the potential to fall over.

Kirkland Lake fires 8 and 13 continue to be monitored by flights over the fire searching for new hotspots should they arise.
 
As the week progresses, fire hazard is expected to climb to high by the long weekend.
 
There are currently 11 active fires in the Northeast Region, burning 47184.6 has.

To date, there have been 294 fires in the region, burning a total of 48505 has.
 
*************************