Lightning ignites more forest fires near Sault, Chapleau

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

******************** East Region sitution report August 4, 2007 New fires yesterday - 21

Active fires today - 39

Total fires to date - 347

Total hectares to date - 7,665

Current situation There were 32 new fires confirmed yesterday, 11 in the West Fire Region and 21 in the East Fire Region.

Fires occurred in the North Bay (7), Parry Sound (4), Bancroft (2), Sudbury (3), Sault Ste. Marie (3), Pembroke (1), Chapleau (1), Red Lake (3), Nipigon (2), Sioux Lookout (2), Fort Frances (1) and Thunder Bay (3)districts.

Another active day as high winds flared up more lightning-caused fires and challenged ground and air crews throughout the day.

Quick aggressive initial attack and good coordination of our resources have kept most fires to less than 1 hectares in size.

Parry Sound #31 and Thunder Bay #66 saw erratic fire behaviour and challenged forces but were contained to approximately 2 hectares each.

Another good burning day is forecasted and multiple lightning fires are anticipated to occur as the drying trend continues.

Ongoing fires

Sixty-five fires are currently burning – 17 of these fires are listed as not under control and 21 are being monitored.

Good progress is being made by suppression forces on Kenora 41 (200 ha) to consolidate perimeter.

To report a fire

East Fire Region - 1-888-863-3473 (FIRE)

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