Restricted Fire Zone remains in effect as extreme forest fire hazard continues

Tim Brody - Editor

A Restricted Fire Zone continues to remain in place for the entire fire region of Ontario (Zones 1 to 36) according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services’ (AFFES) July 2 evening report.
AFFES noted that as of last Sunday evening, there were 40 active fires in the Northwest Region. Among these fires, eight are not under control, one is being held, six are under control and 25 are being observed.
AFFES also noted, “The wildland fire hazard in the Northwest Region is mainly high to extreme with smaller areas of moderate to low hazard in the Fort Frances, Thunder Bay and Kenora sectors.”
AFFES shared the following information on “Northwest Fires of Note’”

• Sioux Lookout 33 is located on the western edge of Wabakimi Provincial Park and is 60,394 hectares in size and not under control. Heavy equipment continues to construct a fire guard around parts of the fire to limit spread potential. 
  
• Sioux Lookout 44 is located on the west side of Lake St. Joseph and is 6,730 hectares in size and not under control. Helicopter bucketing operations continue to provide support. 
  
• Sioux Lookout 53 is located 3.5 kilometers east of the Bearskin Lake First Nation and is 334 hectares in size and not under control. Crews continue to establish hose lines while helicopter bucketing operations provide support. Excellent progress is being made. 
  
• Nipigon 13 is located west of Ogoki Lake and is 30,639 hectares in size and not under control. Values assessment and protection is ongoing and helicopter bucket operations are providing support.
  
• Nipigon 19 is located northwest of Ogoki Lake and is 8705 hectares in size and not under control. Crews continue to establish hose lines while helicopter bucket operations continue to provide support. 
  
• Red Lake 28 is located 40 kilometers north of Lac Seul First Nation and is 19,177 hectares in size and not under control. Crews continue to establish hose lines while helicopter bucket operations continue to provide support. 
  

AFFES shared regarding the Restricted Fire Zone, “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.”