While you may be enjoying this weekend weather, the Ministry of Natural Resources is hard at work making sure forest fires don’t become a problem.
The MNR is reporting five new blazes as of yesterday, adding to the 15 reported by the end of the week in the northwest.
They’re spread over the Nipigon, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay districts.
Fire crews say they’ve got a handle on them, adding the fires are either human or lightening caused.
Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES)
Forest Fire Situation Update
Northwest Region
July 28, 2017 – Time of Report 17:00
Northwest Region
There were eight confirmed fires in the Northwest Region by the evening of July 28 and 13 new fires confirmed by day’s end on July 27. The fires occurred in the Districts of Nipigon, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay and were both human and lightning-caused.
With forecasts for high to extreme forest fire hazards across most of the region another busy day is anticipated for the Northwest Region on July 29.
Thunderstorms are in the forecast so rain may bring some relief late in the weekend and into next week. Until then, fire resources are on red alert ready to respond to new fires, and firefighters are making good progress on active fires, declaring a number of them out within 24 hours.
To see a complete list of fires across the province click on our interactive map. You can also get the latest update on the condition of any fire by clicking the fire icon.
Out of Province Deployment
· There are 393 staff supporting the province of British Columbia in their fire management efforts
· Over 140 personnel from the first wave of resources returned to Ontario July 27, after completing their deployment in BC.
· The number of people in British Columbia will continue to change as resources deployed earlier are now returning back into Ontario. As safety is Ontario’s top priority, deployments are typically 19 days in length, including travel time. We do require staff to two get days minimum rest before returning to duty.
· Ontario continues to work with the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre and British Columbia to assess their ongoing need for assistance and expect more resources will be provided in the coming days.
· Ontario has also provided British Columbia with firefighting equipment including 10 000 lengths of fire hose, 2 structural protection units and over 200 pump kits.
