Excellent progress continues on existing fires in the region

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF
NATURAL RESOURCES

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Unsettled weather continues to keep new fire starts to a minimum in the region.

Today in the Northeast, one new fire has been confirmed thus far.

North Bay 36 (NOR 36) is currently 0.1 hectares and is being held.

Excellent progress continues to be made on existing fires in the region.

Cochrane 25 is currently listed as under control at 210 hectares, while ground crews and Helitak continue working on the fire.

The Kirkland Lake fires 8 and 13 remain under control at this time as progress continues.

Infra red scanning has been done on the fire, and Helitak continue to fly the fire daily to monitor should hot spots arise.

Timmins 9 remains in a state of being held.

Ground crews as well as helicopters continue working on the fire providing support on hot spots that arise.

At 12 p.m. EDT, June 18, 2012 the Implementation Order within the Timmins District was lifted.

The access roads and area are now re-opened to the public.

We would like to remind everyone that the fire is not out and there are still fire ranger crews working in the area.

The lifted order is subject to change due to weather.

There are currently 10 active fires in the Northeast Region burning 47,382.6 hectares.

To date, there have been 287 fires in the region burning 48,491.5 hectares.

Fire hazard

The Ministry of Natural Resources wishes to advise that there is currently no Restricted Fire Zone in place in the Northeast Fire Region.

Campfires are now allowed for cooking and warmth, but must be tended to at all times. 

Keep your campfires small and make sure they are completely extinguished before leaving.  

Remember to avoid burning in windy conditions, as fire can quickly spread.

The public is reminded to take extreme caution, as a high hazard still remains specifically in the areas of Sault Ste Marie, Sudbury, North Bay and south of the French River.

The MNR would like to thank the public for their cooperation during this period of escalated fire activity, and a reminder to check with your local municipality for fire bans they may have in place.

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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