Restricted Fire Zone now declared for entire province 

Tim Brody - Editor

As of last Sunday evening, there were 36 active fires in the Northwest Region according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES). “A total of 5 fires are under control, 12 fires are not under control, 5 fires are being held and 14 fires are being observed. Initial attack crews have called 4 fires out in the past 24 hours,” AFFES shared in their June 11 evening update.
AFFES shared that Sioux Lookout 7, a large forest fire located north of Cat Lake First Nation, remains at 9,285 hectares and was not under control as of their update.
“An Incident Commander is stationed in Cat Lake to monitor growth on the fire.” AFFES noted.
AFFES further shared that, “The wildland fire hazard is mostly high to extreme across the western half of the region, and low to moderate across the eastern half of the region.”
“Due to the extreme forest fire hazard, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has declared a Restricted Fire Zone for the entire fire region of Ontario (Zones 1 to 36). The Restricted Fire Zone is in effect until further notice. Restricted Fire Zones help protect public safety. Open air burning, including campfires, is not permitted within the boundaries of a Restricted Fire Zone. Portable gas or propane stoves may be used for cooking and warmth BUT must be handled with extreme caution. All burning permits are suspended,” AFFES further shared.