Fire ban in effect for Echo Bay, Prince Township (update)

2:30 p.m. update:

Prince Township has issued a fire ban starting at 6 p.m. today. All current fire permits are suspended until further notice.

“It is strongly recommended that residents of Dennis South Township refrain from all burning as well,” says a notice issued by Prince Township.

Original 9:45 a.m. information:

Laird Township and the Township of Macdonald, Meredith and Aberdeen Additional have issued a fire ban, effective today, until further notice. The impacted area includes Echo Bay and Sylvan Valley.

All current burn permits are suspended for the duration of the fire ban, says in a notice issued this morning.

This fire ban is in addition to others issued earlier this week for Bruce Mines, the Municipality of Huron Shores (Iron Bridge, Sowerby), and the Township of Johnson (Desbarats).

A large portion of northern Ontario is currently under an "extreme" fire hazard rating by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

A number of wildfires remain active in northeastern Ontario, including those in the regions of Timmins, Wawa, Chapleau, Kirkland Lake, and Sudbury.

Aside from the small chance of showers this Friday, Environment Canada's forecast for the Sault Ste. Marie area for the next seven days remains sunny and hot.