Lightning causes several forest fires

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

************************* Northeast Region - July 19, 2011

Provincial overview

There is a continuing effort in Ontario today to address the growing forest fires, as the weather forecast provides extreme burning conditions.

Although a weather system looks to be coming into the province from the west, the relief it brings will only be temporary; gusting winds and extreme fire behaviour are expected to follow.

Suppression efforts continue for Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services in both the northeast and northwest regions.

New lightning activity will challenge initial fire suppression resources.

The hot, dry weather will give way to extreme fire behaviour and major growth to several fires.

Value protection, civilian and fire fighter safety remains a top priority while addressing the fire situation.

Smoke continues to be an issue for communities in the Far North.

Many communities have declared emergencies and numerous evacuations continue to take place.

North Spirit Lake, Cat Lake and Sandy Lake evacuations are underway today.

In recent days, approximately 1,500 residents have been evacuated from Northern communities.

A Restricted Fire Zone continues to be implemented on the northwestern regions of the province.

More information on Restricted Fire Zones is available at Current Restricted Fire Zones in Ontario - click here.

Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergencies services continue to utilize out-of-province resources, including personnel and aircraft, from British Colombia, Saskatchewan, and Quebec.

The Canadian Armed Forces have also coordinated efforts with our provincial fire fighters, and work with community liaisons to ensure safe, timely evacuations.

A Saskatchewan CL-215 sits on the tarmac at the Sudbury Forest Fire Management Centre preparing for alerts.

New fires

Five new fires were reported on Monday, July 18 in Cochrane (1), Sudbury (1), Timmins (2) and Wawa (1) districts.

Cochrane 16, lightning-caused, not under control - 1.0 hectare - west of Fort Albany

Sudbury 36, lightning-caused, out - 0.1 hectares - west of Killarney Provincial Park

Kirkland Lake 8, human-caused, out - 0.1 hectares - west of Elk Lake

Timmins 17, lightning-caused, out - 0.1 hectares - northeast of Ostrom

Wawa 20, lightning-caused, out - 0.1 hectares - east of Manitouwadge

One new fire was reported by the evening of July 19.

Parry Sound 7, human-caused, not under control - 0.2 hectares - within Grundy Lake Provincial Park boundaries

Active fires

Three additional fires are active in Cochrane (3) district.

Cochrane 6, lightning-caused, being observed - 500.0 hectares - southwest of Kashechewan

Cochrane 13, lightning-caused, being observed - 600.0 hectares - 30 kilometres southeast of Peawanuck

Cochrane 15, lightning-caused, being observed - 7.0 hectares - west of Attawapiskat

View a map of current fires in Ontario here.

Special concerns

Please note that elevated winds could bring smoke into the Wawa region and possibly further east.

Fire hazard

The fire hazard is high in the northern half of the region, but drops to low to moderate in the southern half.

The hazard is expected to become more severe with drying and heating in the forecast for this week.

Use extreme caution in any forest activities.

View a fire danger map in Ontario here.

Safety message

Planning on enjoying a campfire this weekend?

Keep your fire small, build it on bare rock or dirt, never leave it unattended and make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving the site.

Drown! Stir! Drown!

Also, remember to be careful with smoking materials in forested areas while hiking or picking berries.

If you live within a municipality, contact your local municipal office or fire department before burning.

For public inquiries on the forest fire situation in Ontario, please call 1-800-667-1940.

Be FireSmart!

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

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