NE & Temagami Forest Fire Situation (July 8 – 14)

Jul 14, 2018 @ 14:19

By late morning on July 14 there are 48 active forest fires across the Northeast, of these 20 are not yet under control, 28 are either being held under control or being observed.

The cold front that passed through the Northeast will start moving out of the fire region today but will likely bring wrap around cloud conditions for the Temagami, Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park and River Valley areas. There was minimal and scattered precipitation recorded across the region yesterday and that should provide some relief over a day or two in the fire areas of concern.

Only one fire discovered yesterday remains active, North Bay 93 is not yet under control at 0.5 of a hectare.

 

Incident Management Teams

Incident Management Teams (IMTs) have mobilized in the region and are taking over priority fires in 3 areas:

• River Valley Cluster
• Lake Temagami Cluster
• Lady Evelyn Cluster

River Valley Fire Cluster:

This area received some light rain which will likely reduce fire activity today. Resources continue to be established at the River Valley Basecamp and will be fully operational by the end of the weekend. Last night, there were 12 fire crews assigned to the North Bay 62 fire with more resources being assigned today.

Lady Evelyn Fire Cluster:

There are 10 crews assigned to the North Bay 72 fire. These crews will be focused on suppression of the north end of the fire which is the area closest to the Speight Township. Ranger crews will continue to establish values protection in the area as a precaution. This fire was remapped yesterday for a more accurate size, it’s now listed at 10 775 hectares. We’re not expecting to see any significant growth on this fire today given recent precipitation.

Temagami Fire Cluster:

Fires in this area are relatively quiet and crews are making good progress extinguishing fires in tough terrain. Two fires were remapped to reflect a more accurate size. Although there has been no growth in recent days, North Bay 69 fire is now listed at 221 hectares and North Bay 55 at 74.6 hectares.

Resources from Out of Province

• Saskatchewan has provided 3 support staff and an Air Tanker Package
• Alberta has supplied fifteen 4 person initial attack fire crews, a 19 person Incident Management Team, and 8 support staff. There are also 2 Air Tanker Packages
• British Columbia has supplied twenty 3 person crews and 2 support staff
• Nova Scotia has supplied five 4 person crews and 2 support staff
• Prince Edward Island has supplied a 4 person crew
• Newfoundland has supplied a 4 person crew and one support staff
• Northwest Territories has supplied six 4 person crews and one support staff
• Minnesota has supplied 2 support staff

Additional Resources Expected in the Coming Days

• We are expecting additional support from Saskatchewan, Alberta, the Northwest Territories and British Columbia in the coming days to help manage the current fire situation

SMOKE CONCERNS

• Many Ontario residents have reported smoke drift in their communities. Smoky conditions are expected to continue when fires are active, until weather patterns change.
• AFFES is reminding the public that if they do see flames or smoke, please report it, and stay away from the area in the interest of public safety.
• If you have questions or concerns about smoke and your health, please contact Tele Health Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

Temagami area information

The MNRF has been advised by the Municipality of Temagami that the Mandatory Evacuation Orders from Temagami Shores, at the south edge of the town of Temagami, to Jessie Lake including Bell Island on Lake Temagami have been downgraded to an Evacuation Alert. Residents may return home however, must remain on alert as they can be asked to leave again at any time based on the fire situation. Other Evacuation Alerts remain in place.

Travel Restrictions

MNRF issued an Emergency Area Order (EAO) for parts of the North Bay District due to active fires around Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater, Lake Temagami and the North Bay District.

The restrictions include:

• Please visit Ontario.ca/forestfire as this information is being updated regularly.
• For information about these travel restrictions: 705-475-5546
• For media inquiries contact: 705-564-6146
• For inquiries by members of the public contact: 705-564-6165
• For inquiries on highway closures: Call 5-1-1

 

FIRE NUMBERS AND ONLINE INFORMATION:

• To report a forest fire located north of the French and Mattawa rivers, please dial 310-FIRE (3473)
• To report a forest fire located south of the French or Mattawa rivers, please dial 911.
• Follow us on Twitter: in English @ONForestFires or in French @ONFeuDeForêt
• For up to date information on current fires in the province or to check the forest fire hazard in your area, visit Ontario.ca/forestfire

For guidelines on safe outdoor fire management ontario.ca/fireprevention

 

 

Jul 14, 2018 @ 06:59

By the evening of July 13, there are 52 active forest fires in the Northeast region. Of these, 21 are not yet under control, while 31 are either being held, under control or being observed. Fourteen fires have been called out.

Tomorrow, the forecast is calling for some wrap around cloud in areas near the Quebec border which would continue to provide cloud cover for the Temagami, Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park and River Valley fire clusters. The winds will be light and variable which will have minimal impact on fire activity. Although we did record rainfall today in some areas of the Northeast, it was scattered in nature and will provide modest relief over the next day or two for fires in the areas of concern.

 

• Two new fires were reported today. North Bay 93 and Sault Ste. Marie 11 are both 0.1 hectares and have both been actioned by FireRanger crews. Cloud cover and scattered showers assisted fire personnel in making good progress on current fires.
• North Bay 72 originated in Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park and has exited the park boundary towards the northeast. This is currently the largest fire burning in the Northeast region at 10 775 hectares (this fire was remapped for a more accurate size). New crews arrived to the base camp today. Values protection is established in Speight Township as a precautionary measure.
• Timmins 12, which is located approximately 25 km east of Nighthawk Lake, is 77.3 hectares. Today, heavy equipment made good progress while a belly-tanker helicopter assisted 6 crews on the ground.
• The weather assisted Fire crews in making good progress on North Bay 69 today, which is located southwest of the Temagami marina.
• Fire crews are being established on North Bay 62, a 2500 hectare fire northeast of River Valley.
• North Bay 55 is located south of Temagami, east of Hwy 11 and covers 25 hectares. Fire crews made good progress on the fire today.

 

Incident Management Teams

Incident Management Teams (IMTs) have mobilized in the region and are taking over priority fires in 3 areas:

• River Valley Cluster
• Lake Temagami Cluster
• Lady Evelyn Cluster

Resources from Out of Province

The following forest firefighting crews are currently assisting Ontario FireRangers and type 2 contract crews:

• Nova Scotia has supplied five 4 person crews with 2 support staff
• Prince Edward Island has supplied a 4 person crew
• Newfoundland has supplied a 4 person crew
• British-Columbia has supplied twenty 3 person crews with 2 support staff
• Northwest Territories has supplied six 4 person crews with 1 support staff
• Saskatchewan has supplied two support staff
• Alberta has supplied fifteen 4 person crews, 9 support staff and a 19 person Incident Management Team
• Minnesota has supplied 2 support staff

The following equipment is in Ontario, helping with the forest fire situation:

• Alberta and Saskatchewan are currently supporting Ontario’s fire suppression operations with Air tanker packages.

SMOKE CONCERNS

• Many Ontario residents have been reporting smoke drift in their communities, smoky conditions are expected to continue until weather patterns change.
• AFFES is reminding the public that if they do see flames or smoke, please report it, and stay away from the area in the interest of public safety.
• If you have questions or concerns about smoke and your health, please contact Tele Health Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

Temagami area information

The MNRF has been advised by the Municipality of Temagami that the Mandatory Evacuation Orders from Temagami Shores, at the south edge of the town of Temagami, to Jessie Lake including Bell Island on Lake Temagami have been downgraded to an Evacuation Alert. Residents may return home, however, must remain on alert as they can be asked to leave again at any time based on the fire situation. Other Evacuation Alerts remain in place.

 

 

Travel Restrictions

MNRF issued an Emergency Area Order (EAO) for parts of the North Bay District due to active fires around Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater, Lake Temagami and the North Bay District.

The restrictions include:

• Please visit Ontario.ca/forestfire as this information is being updated regularly.
• For information about these travel restrictions: 705-475-5546
• For media inquiries contact: 705-564-6146
• For inquiries by members of the public contact: 705-564-6165
• For inquiries on highway closures: Call 5-1-1

 

FIRE NUMBERS AND ONLINE INFORMATION:

• To report a forest fire located north of the French and Mattawa rivers, please dial 310-FIRE (3473)
• To report a forest fire located south of the French or Mattawa rivers, please dial 911.
• Follow us on Twitter: in English @ONForestFires or in French @ONFeuDeForêt
• For up to date information on current fires in the province or to check the forest fire hazard in your area, visit Ontario.ca/forestfire

For guidelines on safe outdoor fire managementontario.ca/fireprevention

 

 

Jul 13, 2018 @ 19:00

A Community Information Session on the Fire & Emergency Status will be held Tuesday, July 17 at 4 p.m. in the Municipal Office Theatre (7 Lakeshore Drive). Everyone is welcome to attend.

 

Jul 13, 2018 @ 14:35

On the morning of July 13, there are 60 active forest fires in the Northeast region. Of these, 22 are not yet under control, while 38 are either being held, under control or being observed.

There were 7 new starts in the Northeast Region yesterday.

Relative humidity is higher in the region this morning, this is effectively reducing the fire activity and allowing our crews to make good progress. Some precipitation is falling in parts of the northeast early this afternoon, but we’re forecasting scattered and minimal precipitation today. Although this may help to bring short-term relief to the fire hazard in some localised areas, it is expected to rebound quickly once the precipitation has subsided. There is a current risk of thunderstorms for today, which could bring more lightning fires. Since June 29^th, which was the Friday before the Canada Day long weekend, we have recorded over 165,000 lightning strikes across the Ontario. We expect to continue to find several new starts as a result over the coming week.

 

Values protection continue to work in Speight Township today as a precautionary measure. This is in the area of fire North Bay 72 which originated in Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park and has now exited the park boundary towards the northeast. This is currently the largest fire burning in the Northeast Region. Crews are working along the river system from Mountain Lake south through Speight today.

 

Timmins 12, which is located approximately 25 km east of Nighthawk Lake, now covers 77.3 hectares. Four CL415 waterbombers and 4 fire crews were working last night to suppress this fire. Today, heavy equipment is making progress while a belly-tanker helicopter is assisting 6 crews on the ground.

 

Last evening, AFFES received a call for assistance from the Municipality of Central Frontenac for fire Peterborough 3. Three Twin Otters and a birddog aircraft were dispatched but were not required. A ground crew is assisting municipal firefighters this morning.

 

Fire crews are making good progress on North Bay 69, which is located southwest of the Temagami marina. Heavy helicopters were working on the fire yesterday afternoon, bucketing water onto the fire.

 

North Bay 55 also had aerial fire suppression support in the form of heavy helicopters yesterday. It is located south of Temagami, east of Hwy 11 and covers 25 hectares.

 

Incident Management Teams

Incident Management Teams (IMTs) have mobilized in the region and are taking over priority fires in 3 areas:

 

• River Valley Cluster
• Lake Temagami Cluster
• Lady Evelyn Cluster

Resources from Out of Province

The following forest firefighting crews are currently assisting Ontario FireRangers and type 2 contract crews:

• Nova Scotia has supplied five 4 person crews
• Prince Edward Island has supplied a 4 person crew
• Newfoundland has supplied a 4 person crew
• British-Columbia has supplied twenty 3 person crews
• Northwest Territories has supplied six 4 person crews
• Saskatchewan has supplied two support staff
• Alberta has supplied fourteen 4 person crews, 8 support staff and a 19 person Incident Management Team

The following equipment is in Ontario, helping with the forest fire situation:

• CL415 water bombers and T802 Fire Boss amphibian equipment from Alberta and Saskatchewan are currently supporting Ontario’s fire suppression operations.

 

SMOKE CONCERNS

• Many Ontario residents have been reporting smoke drift in their communities, smoky conditions are expected to continue until weather patterns change.
• AFFES is reminding the public that if they do see flames or smoke, please report it, and stay away from the area in the interest of public safety.
• If you have questions or concerns about smoke and your health, please contact Tele Health Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

Temagami area information

The MNRF has been advised by the Municipality of Temagami that the Mandatory Evacuation Orders from Temagami Shores, at the south edge of the town of Temagami, to Jessie Lake including Bell Island on Lake Temagami have been downgraded to an Evacuation Alert. Residents may return home however, must remain on alert as they can be asked to leave again at any time based on the fire situation. Other Evacuation Alerts remain in place.

Travel Restrictions

MNRF issued an Emergency Area Order (EAO) for parts of the North Bay District due to active fires around Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater, Lake Temagami and the North Bay District.

The restrictions include:

• All travel and use of McLaren’s Road, Gibbons Road, Baie-Jeanne Road, South Pardo Road, St. Joseph’s Road including George Gordon and Iron Lake Road, Cooke Lake Road, Beauty Lake Road, Roadhouse Tower Road, Mountain Lake Road, Klock Road, Goulard Road starting at Lower Goose Falls is restricted as well as Red Squirrel Lake Road beyond the Barmac Gate is prohibited unless authorized by a travel permit issued by the North Bay District of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. (See map at Ontario.ca/forestfire)

 

• All modes of travel/access into closed backcountry parks (Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater, Obabika River, Makobe-Grays River, Solace and Sturgeon River Provincial Parks) and all Crown lands as outlined in the identified area on the Implementation Order map is prohibited.

 

• All use and occupation of Crown land or within 500 metres of the described closed roads on the map.

Please visit Ontario.ca/forestfire as this information is being updated regularly.

 

For information about these travel restrictions: 705-475-5546

For media inquiries contact: 705-564-6146

For inquiries by members of the public contact: 705-564-6165

For inquiries on highway closures: Call 5-1-1

FIRE NUMBERS AND ONLINE INFORMATION:

• To report a forest fire located north of the French and Mattawa rivers, please dial 310-FIRE (3473)
• To report a forest fire located south of the French or Mattawa rivers, please dial 911.
• Follow us on Twitter: in English @ONForestFires or in French @ONFeuDeForêt
• For up to date information on current fires in the province or to check the forest fire hazard in your area, visit Ontario.ca/forestfire

For guidelines on safe outdoor fire management ontario.ca/fireprevention

 

Jul 13, 2018 @ 08:35

We issued an Emergency Area Order (EAO) for parts of the North Bay District due to active fires around Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater, Lake Temagami and the North Bay District (NOR#062).

The restrictions include:

• All travel and use of McLaren’s Road, Gibbons Road, Baie-Jeanne Road, South Pardo Road, St. Joseph’s Road including George Gordon and Iron Lake Road, Cooke Lake Road, Beauty Lake Road, Klock Road, Roadhouse Tower Road, Mountain Lake Road, Goulard Road starting at Lower Goose Falls as outlined in the identified area on the attached Implementation Order map within the EAO is prohibited unless authorized by a travel permit issued by the North Bay District of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).
• All modes of travel/access into Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater, Obabika River, Makobe-Grays River, Solace and Sturgeon River Provincial Parks and all Crown lands as outlined in the identified area on the attached Implementation Order map within the EAO is prohibited unless authorized by a travel permit issued by the North Bay District of the MNRF.
• Use of the Red Squirrel Lake Road beyond the Barmac Gate as outlined on the attached Implementation Order map is prohibited unless authorized by a travel permit issued by the North Bay District of the MNRF.
• All use and occupation of Crown Land or within 500 metres of the described closed roads in items 1, 2 & 3 above, within this area is prohibited.

io-2018-02

See the restricted areas on this PDF map.  (Note: this map gets updated regularly and the link to the pdf file will change.)

We issued the Emergency Area Order to help maintain public safety and to allow authorities to suppress the fire.

These restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.  Stay safe!

 

Jul 12, 2018 @ 23:45

 

Of concern to many is the air quality from the numerous forest fires. If you visit this link, at forestfires.ca it will play an animation of the predicted effect of wildfire smoke over the next 51 hours. From the website: “This system produces forecasts of hourly ground-level concentrations of smoke particles (PM 2.5) from wildfires up to 48 hours into the future. The forecast output is experimental and is subject to uncertainties that are inherent in weather forecasts, wildfire detection/emissions and smoke predictions.”

 

From the CDC (edited):

When wildfires burn in your area, they produce smoke that may reach your community. Wildfire smoke is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. This smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.

Who is at greatest risk from wildfire smoke?

• People who have heart or lung diseases, like heart disease, chest pain, lung disease, or asthma, are at higher risk from wildfire smoke.
• Older adults are more likely to be affected by smoke. This may be due to their increased risk of heart and lung diseases.
• Children are more likely to be affected by health threats from smoke. Children’s airways are still developing and they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults. Also, children often spend more time outdoors engaged in activity and play.

Take steps to decrease your risk from wildfire smoke.

• Check local air quality reports.
• Consult local visibility guides.
• Keep indoor air as clean as possible if you are advised to stay indoors. Keep windows and doors closed. Run an air conditioner, but keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. If you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, seek shelter in a designated evacuation center or away from the affected area.
• Avoid activities that increase indoor pollution. Burning candles, fireplaces, or gas stoves can increase indoor pollution. Vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home, contributing to indoor pollution. Smoking also puts even more pollution into the air.
• Prevent wildfires from starting. Prepare, build, maintain and extinguish campfires safely. Follow local regulations if you burn trash or debris. Check with your local fire department to be sure the weather is safe enough for burning.
• Follow the advice of your doctor or other healthcare providers
  about medicines and about your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease. Consider evacuating if you are having trouble breathing. Call your doctor for  advice if your symptoms worsen.
• Do not rely on dust masks for protection. Paper “comfort” or “dust” masks commonly found at hardware stores are designed to trap large particles, such as sawdust. These masks will not protect your lungs from the small particles found in wildfire smoke.
• Evacuate from the path of wildfires. Listen to the news to learn about current evacuation orders. Follow the instructions of local officials about when and where to evacuate. Take only essential items with you. Follow designated evacuation routes–others may be blocked–and plan for heavy traffic.

 

Jul 12, 2018 @ 22:04

On the evening of July 12, there are 66 active forest fires in the Northeast region. Of these, 26 are not yet under control, while 40 are either being held, under control or being observed.

There were 7 new starts in the Northeast today, one of which was extinguished. Our fire crews were able to extinguish 9 fires in total.

Relative humidity will rise throughout the day tomorrow (rain or not), effectively reducing the fire activity and allowing for crews to get established. Some precipitation was noted on the west portion of the region, but we’re forecasting scattered and minimal precipitation in the priority fire areas. There is a risk of thunderstorms over the next 12 to 24 hours, which could bring more lightning fires. Since June 29^th, which was the Friday before the Canada Day long weekend, we have recorded over 165,000 lightning strikes across the Ontario. We expect to continue to find several new starts as a result over the coming week.

Values protection teams have been actively working in the area of Speight and Auld Townships again today, as a precautionary measure.

Timmins 12 is a 25-hectare forest fire which is located approximately 25 km east of Nighthawk Lake. Four CL415 waterbombers and 4 fire crews are working to suppress this fire.

Incident Management Teams

Incident Management Teams (IMTs) have mobilized in the region and are taking over priority fires in 3 areas:

• River Valley Cluster
• Lake Temagami Cluster
• Lady Evelyn Cluster

 

Resources from Out of Province

• Fire crews from Alberta and British Columbia arrived in Ontario on Monday, July 9 to assist with the fire situation. Fifteen 3 person crews from British Columbia and ten 4 person crews from Alberta have been deployed to priority fires on July 10.
• CL415 water bombers and T802 Fire Boss amphibian equipment from Alberta and Saskatchewan are currently supporting Ontario’s fire suppression operations.
• Additional personnel have arrived from Alberta this morning in the form of five 4 person initial attack crews and a 19 person Incident Management Team as well as 8 support staff

The following crews arrived later in the day to join Ontario FireRangers in the Northeast region tomorrow.

• Nova Scotia has supplied five 4 person crews
• Prince Edward Island has supplied a 4 person crew
• Newfoundland has supplied a 4 person crew
• British-Columbia has supplied five more 3 person crews
• Northwest Territories has supplied six 4 person crews
• Saskatchewan has supplied two support staff

SMOKE CONCERNS

• Smoke around the Tri-Towns, Elk Lake, Earlton, Kenabeec, Kerns and surrounding areas may be heavy tonight.
• AFFES is reminding the public that if they do see flames or smoke, please report it, and stay away from the area in the interest of public safety.
• If you have questions or concerns about smoke and your health, please contact TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

Temagami area information

The MNRF has been advised by the Municipality of Temagami that the Mandatory Evacuation Orders from Temagami Shores, at the south edge of the town of Temagami, to Jessie Lake including Bell Island on Lake Temagami have been downgraded to an Evacuation Alert. Residents may return home, however, must remain on alert as they can be asked to leave again at any time based on the fire situation. Other Evacuation Alerts remain in place.

io-2018-02

 

Travel Restrictions

MNRF issued an Emergency Area Order (EAO) for parts of the North Bay District due to active fires around Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater, Lake Temagami and the North Bay District.

The restrictions include:

• All travel and use of McLaren’s Road, Gibbons Road, Baie-Jeanne Road, South Pardo Road, St. Joseph’s Road including George Gordon and Iron Lake Road, Cooke Lake Road, Beauty Lake Road, Roadhouse Tower Road, Mountain Lake Road, Klock Road, Goulard Road starting at Lower Goose Falls is restricted as well as Red Squirrel Lake Road beyond the Barmac Gate is prohibited unless authorized by a travel permit issued by the North Bay District of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. (See map attached)
• All modes of travel/access into closed backcountry parks (Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater, Obabika River, Makobe-Grays River, Solace and Sturgeon River Provincial Parks) and all Crown lands as outlined in the identified area on the Implementation Order map is prohibited.
• All use and occupation of Crown land or within 500 metres of the described closed roads on the map.
• Please visit Ontario.ca/forestfire as this information is being updated regularly.

For information about these travel restrictions: 705-475-5546

For inquiries by members of the public contact: 705-564-6165

For inquiries on highway closures: Call 5-1-1

FIRE NUMBERS AND ONLINE INFORMATION:

• To report a forest fire located north of the French and Mattawa rivers, please dial 310-FIRE (3473)
• To report a forest fire located south of the French or Mattawa rivers, please dial 911.
• Follow us on Twitter: in English @ONForestFires or in French @ONFeuDeForêt
• For up to date information on current fires in the province or to check the forest fire hazard in your area, visit Ontario.ca/forestfire

For guidelines on safe outdoor fire management ontario.ca/fireprevention

 

Jul 12, 2018 @ 21:53

 

Level One Emergency Declared for Bear Island

Due to the number of active fires in the area, Temagami First Nation Chief and Council have declared a Level One Emergency for Bear Island. Residents should be on alert for a possible escalation. In the event that an evacuation is ordered, residents will be given as much notice as possible via an advance Evacuation Alert.

The Fire Ban on Bear Island remains in effect and applies to all open fires of any size, including campfires and fireworks. Bear Island residents are asked to be cautious and remember to dispose of smoking materials in proper receptacles. This ban will help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

Daily Updates

Daily updates on fire conditions will be posted in and around the community and at the Pier Market. Information will also be posted and available online.

TFN Website

TFN Facebook

MNRF Updates

 

Emergency Bag/Kits should contain:

• Spare set of clothes
• Candles, including an appropriate holder
• Batteries, for flashlights, radios, etc.
• Portable Radio – with adequate range/reception
• Flashlights – at least 2 in working order
• Matches (waterproof), lighters
• First Aid Kit
• Fresh Drinking Water for all in home
• Blankets
• Non-perishable food items

 

Jul 12, 2018 @ 21:42

Temagami First Nation Annual Traditional Pow Wow Postponement

July 11, 2018, 4:30 p.m.

Published by Executive Director,

BEAR ISLAND, ON (July 11, 2018)· Temagami First Nation Chief and Council decided that the Annual TFN Pow wow, that was to be held on July 14 and 15, 2018 has been postponed until further notice due to fire conditions on n’Daki Menan. The pow wow is postponed because of the State of Emergency in the Municipality of Temagami.

Temagami First Nation recognizes the distress and hardships that the present emergency is causing the residents of Temagami and area and does not want to add any further complications by inviting more people into the region.

Acting Chief John Turner shared these words, “At this time, we stand together with our friends and neighbours in the town of Temagami, on the lake, and throughout n’Daki Menan (our homeland).

I would like to convey on behalf of Chief and Council that we are very sorry that this meaningful and cultural event had to be postponed. We acknowledge that many in our community, and from other communities, have been working hard preparing, and have very much been looking forward to this pow wow.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by these unfortunate circumstances.

 

Jul 12, 2018 @ 21:38

RESTRICTED FIRE ZONE (RFZ) & IMPLEMENTATION ORDER (IO)

Community Notice (as of July 12, 2018)

1. An Implementation Order (10) for travel restrictions is in effect in the Temagami area. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is restricting access to areas due to safety hazard created by increased fire activity.
2. The MNRF has restricted travel as outlined on the 10-2018-02 map to ensure public safety where there is increased fire activity. The hatched area (shaded) on the map, details the restricted area.
3. There is currently a high volume of fires burning in the Municipality of Temagami.
4. The Municipality of Temagami has declared an emergency. Although you may not see or smell these fires, they are actively burning.
5. Public safety is absolutely paramount. These conditions change frequently. Check the website daily at: ontario.ca/forestfire for the most up to date accurate information.
6. For inquiries on the Implementation Order access restrictions and the current map, contact: 705-475-5546. For any fire-related inquiries please contact the Fire Officer at: 705-564-61 65.
7. The Community Control Group meets daily and will provide updates once they become available.

 

Municipality of Temagami Statement

Current Fire Situation Update – July 12, 2018 at 8:17 p.m. from Mayor Lorie Hunter.

The Municipality of Temagami is currently under a fire ban. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) have issued a restricted fire zone order for the area.

Due to the extreme fire hazard, several recent periods of heavy lightning and the large number of wildfires burning, the MNRF has implemented a Restricted Fire Zone in some areas of Northeastern Ontario as outlined on the interactive fire map at ontario.ca/forestfire. No open burning, including campfires, is permitted within the boundaries of a Restricted Fire Zone. Portable gas stoves may be used for cooking and warmth BUT must be handled with extreme caution. All burning permits are suspended. Follow Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services on Twitter @ONforestfires.

There are 19 active fires burning in the Municipality of Temagami; however, this number could rapidly change. The Mandatory Evacuation Orders from Temagami Shores, at the south edge of the town of Temagami, to Jessie Lake including Bell Island on Lake Temagami have been downgraded to an Evacuation Alert. Residents may return home, however, must remain on alert as they can be asked to leave again at any time based on the fire situation. Other Evacuation Alerts remain in place.

All Provincial parks, including Finlayson Point and Marten River Provincial Park, remain closed and all interior and backcountry travel is restricted.

The MNRF is advising the public that travel restrictions have been implemented in McLaren’s Road, Gibbons Road, Baie-Jeanne Road, South Pardo Road, and St. Joseph’s Road including George Gordon and Iron Lake Road, Red Squirrel Lake Road beyond the Jack Pine Road intersection and all access into Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park in the North Bay District.

Access to these areas is restricted and roadblocks will be set-up to notify the public of the closure. Travel restrictions are in place and permits are required to travel through this area. Within the area, no Crown land camping, no day trips, no hiking, no ATVs and no access to private or commercial camps or cottages are permitted.

These measures are meant to protect the public and ensure public safety while allowing fire personnel to safely fight forest fires in the identified area. Public safety is paramount as these conditions can change frequently.

Check the website daily at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/forest-fires for the most up to date, accurate information on fire situations. For road closures and restricted access areas, please visit: https://files.ontario.ca/20180710_2018-01-nor01.pdf . For information about travel restrictions: 705-475-5546.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The Regional Information Officer can be contacted at: 705-564-6156.

 

Jul 12, 2018 @ 21:22

The City of North Bay is supporting the evacuation of the Keewaydin Canoe Camp located in Temagami, Ontario.

 

Mayor Al McDonald was contacted by representatives of the Keewaydin Canoe Camp requesting assistance with the evacuation of approximately 100 campers ranging in age from 10-13 years old. As a result of this request, the Emergency Management Team was engaged and quickly coordinated the logistics for accomodations and meals. Several community partners and agencies are also involved in the effort.

 

“The City has an Emergency Management Plan in place for circumstances just like this” said Al McDonald, Mayor of the City of North Bay. “We are pleased to offer our assistance to the Camp and to help ensure the safety of the young campers as they make their way home.”

 

Fire Chief Whiteley stated that “We were able to pull together resources through the support of the Canadian Red Cross, Nipissing University, North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit and the Gathering Place to join the efforts of the mmebers of the City’s Emergency Management Team to meet the necessary needs to accommodate the campers that come from many parts of Canada and the United States.”

 

All campers have arrived and the team is working on meeting their needs. An update will be provided later in the afternoon after registration of all campers has been completed.

 

Jul 12, 2018 @ 20:51

Due to an extreme fire hazard & recent periods of heavy lightning in parts of the Northeast Region, MNRF will expand the current Restricted Fire Zone to include areas outlined in the map below as of 12:01 a.m. tonight (July 13).

 

 

Jul 12, 2018 @ 14:22

Forest Fire Situation Update
Northeast Fire Region
July 12, 2018
Time of Report 13:30

 

We are receiving a very high volume of media calls seeking information about the fire situation in the Northeast. At this time, we will be providing media with two updates daily about the fire situation. One late morning, and one in the evening. Below is an update for this morning.

 

On the morning of July 12, there are 66 active forest fires in the Northeast region. Of these, 26 are not yet under control, while 40 are either being held, under control or being observed.

There were 18 new starts in the northeast yesterday and we have already received several initial reports that are being investigated by detection aircraft this morning.

Once again, no precipitation was recorded in the region overnight last night, and since June 29^th which was the Friday before the Canada Day long weekend, we have recorded over 165,000 lightning strikes across the Ontario.

The current forecast once again predicts the possibility of thunderstorms this afternoon into the evening in the Northeast region. We expect to continue to find several new starts as a result over the coming week.

Three CL415’s were working on North Bay 72 this last evening. This fire originated in Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park and has now spread northeast outside the park boundary. FireRangers have been setting up sprinklers in the area of Speight Township and Auld Township as a precaution. 3 fire crews were on the ground last night performing values protection and 6 crews are out this morning continuing to make progress. Sprinklers have been set up this morning on Skull Lake, Mendelson Lake (Speight Township) and are currently working around Big Spring Lake and Indian Lake (Auld Township).

Good progress was made on North Bay 69 yesterday, fire crews and heavy helicopters were effective in reducing fire activity for this fire which is the closest to the Temagami community.

(Twitter follower Trish Jordan provided this photo of a CL415 scooping from Lake Temagami on July 8, preparing to drop water on North Bay 69)

(Three CL415 waterbombers work together to suppress fire North Bay 69 near Temagami on July 8, photo provided by Twitter follower Trish Jordan)

Crews from British Columbia were assigned to North Bay 55 yesterday and have been working to suppress this fire. Air attack was dispatched to this fire later in the day to aid with firefighting activities.

Incident Management Teams

Incident Management Teams (IMTs) have mobilized in the region and are taking over priority fires in 3 areas:

• River Valley Cluster
• Lake Temagami Cluster
• Lady Evelyn Cluster

Resources from Out of Province

• Fire crews from Alberta and British Columbia arrived in Ontario on Monday July 9 to assist with the fire situation. Fifteen 3 person crews from British Columbia and ten 4 person crews from Alberta have been deployed to priority fires July 10.
• CL415 water bombers and T802 Fire Boss amphibians equipment from Alberta and Saskatchewan are currently supporting Ontario’s fire suppression operations.
• Additional personnel have arrived from Alberta this morning in the form of five 4 person initial attack crews and a 19 person Incident Management Team as well as 8 support staff

Further Out of Province Resources Arriving later today:

• Nova Scotia has supplied five 4 person crews
• Prince Edward Island has supplied a 4 person crew
• Newfoundland has supplied a 4 person crew
• British-Columbia has supplied five more 3 person crews
• Northwest Territories has supplied six 4 person crews
• Saskatchewan has supplied two support staff

SMOKE CONCERNS

• Significant smoke was noted in several areas of Northeastern Ontario last night. Variable winds last evening saw smoke blowing into many communities from several active fires in the province. Smoke drifts are possible again today, with winds out of the southsouthwest predominantly across the Northeast Region this afternoon.
• AFFES is reminding the public that if they do see flames or smoke, please report it, and stay away from the area in the interest of public safety.
• If you have questions or concerns about smoke and your health, please contact TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

(Several fires are causing significant smoke to drift into many communities in Northeastern Ontario over the past few days – North Bay 42 is pictured here)

Temagami area information

The MNRF has been advised by the Municipality of Temagami that the Mandatory Evacuation Orders from Temagami Shores, at the south edge of the town of Temagami, to Jessie Lake including Bell Island on Lake Temagami have been downgraded to an Evacuation Alert. Residents may return home however, must remain on alert as they can be asked to leave again at any time based on the fire situation. Other Evacuation Alerts remain in place.

Travel Restrictions

MNRF issued an Emergency Area Order (EAO) for parts of the North Bay District due to active fires around Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater, Lake Temagami and the North Bay District.

The restrictions include:

• All travel and use of McLaren’s Road, Gibbons Road, Baie-Jeanne Road, South Pardo Road, St. Joseph’s Road including George Gordon and Iron Lake Road as outlined on the map.
• All modes of travel or access into Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park and all Crown lands as outlined on the map attached.
• Use of the Red Squirrel Lake Road beyond the Barmac Gate as outlined on the map.
• All use and occupation of Crown land or within 500 metres of the described closed roads on the map.
• Please visit Ontario.ca/forestfire as this information is being updated regularly.

 

For information about these travel restrictions: 705-475-5546 

For media inquiries contact: 705-564-6146

For inquiries by members of the public contact:705-564-6165

 

FIRE NUMBERS AND ONLINE INFORMATION:

• To report a forest fire located north of the French and Mattawa rivers, please dial 310-FIRE (3473)
• To report a forest fire located south of the French or Mattawa rivers, please dial 911.
• Follow us on Twitter: in English @ONForestFires or in French @ONFeuDeForêt
• For up to date information on current fires in the province or to check the forest fire hazard in your area, visit Ontario.ca/forestfire

For guidelines on safe outdoor fire management ontario.ca/fireprevention

 

Report prepared by Isabelle Chenard

 

Contact Information:
Shayne McCool
Fire Information Officer
705-564-6146

 

You are receiving this update because you opted in. If you no longer wish to receive updates please reply to this email or contact the Fire Information Officer listed above and ask to be removed from the distribution.

 

 

Jul 11, 2018 @ 23:50

 

On the evening of July 11, there are 67 active forest fires in the Northeast region. Of these, 32 are not yet under control, while 39 are either being held, under control or being observed.

There were 18 new starts in the northeast today, two of which are already out. At the time of this update 16 fires remain active. Thunderstorms once again swept through Northeastern Ontario on July 9th and we expect to continue to find several new starts as a result over the coming week.

There was no rain at all recorded overnight last night, and since June 29^thwhich was the Friday before the Canada Day long weekend, we have recorded over 165,000 lightning strikes across the Ontario.

Reports of smoke have been noted from areas across the central portion of the northeast. Smoke drift from fires in the Temagami, River Valley and the Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park areas is the main cause associated with smoke conditions. We are expecting a southwesterly wind tomorrow which is expected to cause smoke drift towards the northeast. We’re predicting existing fires to be active tomorrow before cloud cover moves into the region overnight Friday.

Three CL415’s were working on North bay 72 this evening, which originated in Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park and has now spread northeast outside the park boundary. FireRangers are in Kenbeec/Kerns tonight setting up sprinklers in the community as a precaution. Good progress was made on North Bay 69 today, fire crews and heavy helicopters were effective in reducing fire activity for this fire which is the closest to the Temagami community. Crews from British Columbia were assigned to North Bay 55 today and have been working to suppress this fire. Air attack was dispatched to this fire later in the day to aid with firefighting activities.

Incident Management Teams

Incident Management Teams (IMTs) have mobilized in the region and are preparing to take over priority fires in 3 areas:

• River Valley Cluster
• Lake Temagami Cluster
• Lady Evelyn Cluster

Resources from Out of Province

• Fire crews from Alberta and British Columbia arrived in Ontario on Monday July 9 to assist with the fire situation. Fifteen 3 person crews from British Columbia and ten 4 person crews from Alberta have been deployed to priority fires last night.
• CL415 water bombers and T802 Fire Boss amphibians equipment from Alberta and Saskatchewan are currently supporting Ontario’s fire suppression operations.

Incoming Out of Province Resources Arriving July 12

• Nova Scotia has supplied five 4 person crews
• Prince Edward Island has supplied a 4 person crew
• Newfoundland has supplied a 4 person crew
• British-Columbia has supplied five more 3 person crews
• Northwest Territories has supplied six 4 person crews
• Alberta has sent five 4 person initial attack crews and a 19 person Incident Management Team as well as 8 support staff
• Saskatchewan has supplied two support staff

SMOKE CONCERNS

• AFFES is reminding the public that if they do see flames or smoke, please report it, and stay away from the area in the interest of public safety.
• If you have questions or concerns about smoke and your health, please contact TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

Travel Restrictions

On July 9, the MNRF district imposed travel restrictions along several roads in the Temagami area, information can be found on MNRF’s facebook page, Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services Twitter page and contact information for the North Bay District staff is indicated on our website at Ontario.ca/forestfire. There, you can also check our interactive fire map to find out the size, location, status of current forest fires, and remember that there is also a restricted fire zone in effect in many parts of Northeastern Ontario, so campfires and outdoor burning are not permitted at this time. You can check the boundaries of the restricted fire zone on our map as well.

IO-2018-02For information about these travel restrictions: 705-475-5546

For inquiries by members of the public contact:705-564-6165

Please visit Ontario.ca/forestfire as this information is being updated regularly.

 

Jul 11, 2018 @ 22:05

Municipality of Temagami Statement

Current Fire Situation Update – July 11, 2018 at 8:30 p.m. from Mayor Lorie Hunter.

The Municipality of Temagami is currently under a fire ban. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) have issued a restricted fire zone order for the area.

Due to the extreme fire hazard, several recent periods of heavy lightning and the large number of wildfires burning, the MNRF has implemented a Restricted Fire Zone in some areas of Northeastern Ontario as outlined on the interactive fire map at ontario.ca/forestfire. No open burning, including campfires, is permitted within the boundaries of a Restricted Fire Zone. Portable gas stoves may be used for cooking and warmth BUT must be handled with extreme caution. All burning permits are suspended. Follow Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services on Twitter @ONforestfires.

There are 19 active fires burning in the Municipality of Temagami; however, this number could rapidly change. The Mandatory Evacuation Orders from Temagami Shores, at the south edge of the town of Temagami, to Jessie Lake including Bell Island on Lake Temagami have been downgraded to an Evacuation Alert. Residents may return home however, must remain on alert as they can be asked to leave again at anytime based on the fire situation.

Other Evacuation Alerts remain in place.

All Provincial parks, including Finlayson Point and Marten River Provincial Park, remain closed and all interior and back country travel is restricted.

The MNRF is advising the public that travel restrictions have been implemented in McLaren’s Road, Gibbons Road, Baie-Jeanne Road, South Pardo Road, and St. Joseph’s Road including George Gordon and Iron Lake Road, Red Squirrel Lake Road beyond the Jack Pine Road intersection and all access into Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park in the North Bay District.

Access to these areas is restricted and roadblocks will be set-up to notify the public of the closure. Travel restrictions are in place and permits are required to travel through this area. Within the area, no Crown land camping, no day trips, no hiking, no ATVs and no access to private or commercial camps or cottages are permitted.

These measures are meant to protect the public and ensure public safety while allowing fire personnel to safely fight forest fires in the identified area. Public safety is paramount as these conditions can change frequently.

Check the website daily at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/forest-fires for the most up to date, accurate information on fire situations. For road closures and restricted access areas, please visit: https://files.ontario.ca/20180710_2018-01-nor01.pdf .

For information about travel restrictions: 705-475-5546.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The Regional Information Officer can be contacted at 705-564-6156.

 

 

Jul 11, 2018 @ 21:48

Temagami’s CEMC (Community Emergency Measures Coordinator) Brian Koski says that the Mandatory Evacuation Order for the area from Temagami Shores to Jesse Lake, including Bell Island, has now been lifted. Immediately. Those who have had to stay away can return home!

AN EVACUATION ALERT STILL EXISTS FOR THE WHOLE AREA AND YOU ARE ASKED TO CONTINUE TO WATCH FOR UPDATES FOR CHANGES!

 

Jul 11, 2018 @ 20:42

 

Residents of the Temagami area and Northeastern Ontario. AFFES would like to remind the public that it is illegal to fly a drone within 9 km of a forest fire. Please help ensure public safety and the safety of fire response personnel and respect the no drone zone.

 

Jul 11, 2018 @ 13:09

Forest Fire Situation Update (Northeast Fire Region)

July 11, 2018, 12:00 Noon

This morning, there are 66 active forest fires in Northeast Region. 27 of these fires are not yet under control, while 39 are either being held, under control or being observed.

There were 15 new starts in the northeast yesterday, 7 of which are already out at the time of this update. Thunderstorms once again swept through Northeastern Ontario on July 9th and we expect to continue to find several new starts as a result over the coming week.

In fact, we have already received a dozen reports this morning and detection aircraft are investigating.

 

 

 

 

There was no rain at all recorded overnight last night, and since June 29^th which was the Friday before the Canada Day long weekend, we have recorded over 165,000 lightning strikes across the Ontario.

We are expecting mainly sunny skies today in Northeastern Ontario, with relatively light northerly winds, so smoke from fires in Northern Ontario will drift to the south again today. Yesterday Ontario residents as far south as cottage country saw smoky conditions as a result of smoke blowing south from moderate northerly winds. We are expecting the fires to be more active today than they have been Monday and Tuesday, so there may be an increase in the amount of smoke, certainly in the North Bay district.

Yesterday, the MNRF district imposed travel restrictions along several roads in the Temagami area, information can be found on MNRF’s facebook page, Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services Twitter page and contact information for the North Bay District staff is indicated on our website at Ontario.ca/forestfire (it is also below in this article). There you can also check our interactive fire map to find out the size, location, status of current forest fires, and remember that there is also a restricted fire zone in effect in many parts of Northeastern Ontario, so campfires and outdoor burning are not permitted at this time. You can check the boundaries of the restricted fire zone on our map as well.

 

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAMS

Ontario is deploying incident management teams over the coming days to manage priority fires. Details will become available later this week.

 

 

RESOURCES FROM OUT-OF-PROVINCE

 

• Fire crews from Alberta and British Columbia have now arrived in Ontario to assist with the fire situation. 15 – 3 person crews from British Columbia and 10 – 4 person crews from Alberta have been deployed to priority fires tonight.
• CL415 waterbombers and T802 Fire Boss amphibians equipment from Alberta and Saskatchewan are currently supporting Ontario’s fire suppression operations.

 

SMOKE CONCERNS

• AFFES is reminding the public that if they do see flames or smoke, please report it, and stay away from the area in the interest of public safety.
• If you have questions or concerns about smoke and your health, please contact TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

 

FOREST FIRE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IMPLEMENTED BY MNRF’S NORTH BAY DISTRICT

Effective as of 5:00 p.m. on July 9, 2018, an Implementation Order was issued by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry restricting access to an area of Temagami where there are public safety hazards as a result of increased fire activity.

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is advising the public that travel restrictions have been implemented in McLaren’s Road, Gibbons Road, Baie-Jeanne Road, South Pardo Road, and St. Joseph’s Road including George Gordon and Iron Lake Road, Red Squirrel Lake Road beyond the Jack Pine Road intersection and all access into Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park in the North Bay District.

Access to these areas is restricted and road blocks will be set-up to notify the public of the closure. Travel restrictions are in place and permits are required to travel through this area. Within the area, no Crown land camping, no day trips, no hiking, no ATVs and no access to private or commercial camps or cottages are permitted.

This measure is meant to protect the public and ensure public safety while allowing fire personnel to safely fight forest fires in the identified area.

For information about these travel restrictions: 705-475-5546

Please visit Ontario.ca/forestfire as this information is being updated regularly.

FIRE NUMBERS AND ONLINE INFORMATION:

• To report a forest fire located north of the French and Mattawa rivers, please dial 310-FIRE (3473)
• To report a forest fire located south of the French or Mattawa rivers, please dial 911.
• Follow us on Twitter: in English @ONForestFires or in French @ONFeuDeForêt
• For up to date information on current fires in the province or to check the forest fire hazard in your area, visit Ontario.ca/forestfire

For guidelines on safe outdoor fire managementontario.ca/fireprevention

 

Jul 11, 2018 @ 08:36

MNRF Update – July 10, 10:11 p.m.

On the evening of July 10th, there are 66 active forest fires in Northeast Region. 29 of these fires are not yet under control, while 37 are either being held, under control or being observed.

There were 15 new starts in the northeast today, 5 of which are already out at the time of this update. Thunderstorms once again swept through Northeastern Ontario yesterday afternoon and we expect to continue to find several new starts as a result over the coming week.

New fires on the landscape include:

• North Bay 74, a 1.5 hectare fire located northwest of Driftwood Lake, approximately 3 km south of the Temagami Access Rd.
• Sault Ste. Marie 10, located within Garden River 14 First Nation, west of Echo Lake, is being held at 0.4 of a hectare.
• North Bay 75 is located west of the Obabika River. It covers 6 hectares and is not yet under control.
• North Bay 76 cover 0.1 of a hectare is located southeast of Perch Lake, approximately 15 km southeast of Mattawa.
• Sudbury 63 covers 0.2 of a hectare is under control.
• Sudbury 64 is under control at 0.1 of a hectare located on Clapperton Island.
• Sudbury 65 covers 0.1 of a hectare and is located southwest of St. Charles.
• Sudbury 66 and 67 are north of Hwy 637 approximately 10 km northwest of Killarney, they are 0.5 and 0.1 of a hectare respectively.
• North Bay 78 is located just north of Hwy 533 northwest of Mattawa. It is 0.1 of a hectare and is not under control.

 

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAMS

Ontario is planning to deploy incident management teams over the coming days to manage priority fires. Details will become available later this week.

 

RESOURCES FROM OUT-OF-PROVINCE

• Fire crews from Alberta and British Columbia have now arrived in Ontario to assist with the fire situation. 15 – 3 person crews from British Columbia and 10 – 4 person crews from Alberta have been deployed to priority fires tonight.
• CL415 waterbombers and T802 Fire Boss amphibians equipment from Alberta and Saskatchewan are currently supporting Ontario’s fire suppression operations.

 

SMOKE NOTED ACROSS THE NORTHEAST TODAY

• Smoke drift was noted in many communities across Northeastern Ontario today, and well into cottage country due to a northerly wind. This smoke was from several fires in Ontario.
• AFFES is reminding the public that if they do see flames or smoke, please report it, and stay away from the area in the interest of public safety.
• If you have questions or concerns about smoke and your health, please contact TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

 

FOREST FIRE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IMPLEMENTED BY MNRF’S NORTH BAY DISTRICT

Effective as of 5:00 p.m. on July 9, 2018, an Implementation Order was issued by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry restricting access to an area of Temagami as outlined on the map below, where there are public safety hazards as a result of increased fire activity.

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is advising the public that travel restrictions have been implemented in McLaren’s Road, Gibbons Road, Baie-Jeanne Road, South Pardo Road, and St. Joseph’s Road including George Gordon and Iron Lake Road, Red Squirrel Lake Road beyond the Jack Pine Road intersection and all access into Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park in the North Bay District.

Access to these areas is restricted and road blocks will be set-up to notify the public of the closure. Travel restrictions are in place and permits are required to travel through this area. Within the area, no Crown land camping, no day trips, no hiking, no ATVs and no access to private camps or cottages are permitted.

This measure is meant to protect the public and ensure public safety while allowing fire personnel to safely fight forest fires in the identified area.

For information about these travel restrictions: 705-475-5512

 

FIRE NUMBERS AND ONLINE INFORMATION:

• To report a forest fire located north of the French and Mattawa rivers, please dial 310-FIRE (3473)
• To report a forest fire located south of the French or Mattawa rivers, please dial 911.
• Follow us on Twitter: in English @ONForestFires or in French @ONFeuDeForêt
• For up to date information on current fires in the province or to check the forest fire hazard in your area, visit Ontario.ca/forestfire

For guidelines on safe outdoor fire management ontario.ca/fireprevention

 

Jul 10, 2018 @ 15:36

Fire crews from Alberta and British Columbia have now arrived in Ontario to assist with the fire situation. 15 – 3 person crews from British Columbia and 10 – 4 person crews from Alberta will be deployed to priority fires tonight.

 

Jul 10, 2018 @ 15:23

Current Fire Situation – July 10, 2018 @ 11:30 am– From Mayor Lorie Hunter

Emergency Management Committee met at 10:00 am July 10, 2018

Reports on the fires near Temagami are positive. Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) officials are currently assessing the fire near Temagami and are not in a position to change existing evacuation orders. Therefore Mandatory Evacuation Orders from Temagami Shores at the South edge of the town of Temagami to Jessie Lake, including Finlayson Point Provincial Park, remain in effect.

The Mandatory Evacuation Order for Marten River Provincial Park remains in effect. Evacuation standby for the Town of Temagami and surrounding area, will remain in effect until further notice.

The situation will continue to be monitored as the day progresses and officials will continue to review and set up plans in the event the fire activity increases.

Strathcona Road and the Temagami Fire Tower Road remain closed with no access permitted to the Fire Tower.
All Provincial Parks in the area are now closed and all interior and backcountry travel is restricted. Visit Ontario Parks at www.ontarioparks.comfor when the restrictions will be lifted.

If you were staying at Finlayson Point or Marten River Provincial Park please contact the Park directly for information on retrieving your belongings.

Anyone requiring accommodation as a result of the evacuation should contact the Municipality of Temagami office at 705-569-3421 x 210 and ask for Tammy Lepage during business hours.

Please contact the Municipality of Temagami Office at 705-569-3421 during business hours if you have any questions or concerns. For after-hours immediate MNRF concerns, please contact 1-888-310-3473 (FIRE).

Further updates will be provided after the next Emergency Management Committee meeting scheduled for 7:00 pm July 10, 2018.

 

Jul 10, 2018 @ 12:26

Forest Fires Prevention Act – Emergency Areas Order

 

WHEREAS subsection 23(1) of the Forest Fires Prevention Act R.S.O. 1990. c. F.24. provides that where, in the opinion of the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. a forest fire emergency exists. He may by order declare any area to be a forest fire emergency area:

AND WHEREAS pursuant to Section 7 of the Ministry of Natural Resources Act. R.S.O. 1990. c. M, 31. the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry has delegated such power and duty under the said subsection 23(1) to the undersigned by authorisation dated the 24th day of May 2012:

AND WHEREAS the undersigned is of the opinion that is necessary to declare a forest fire emergency area:

NOW THEREFORE pursuant to section 23(1) of the Forest Fires Prevention Act, R.S.O. 1990. c. F. 24. I HEREBY DECLARE the area described Schedule “A” attached hereto to be a forest fire emergency area. effective 1000 hours on the 9th day 01 July. 2018 until such time as the order is revoked.

 

signed Tracy Neil

AD Minister, Provincial Services Division

Dated at Milton

this 9th day of July, 2018

Editor’s Note: This document restricts all interior and backcountry travel in the Temagami area.

Mandatory travel restrictions are as follows.

1) All travel and use of McLaren’s Road, Gibbon’s Road, Baie-Jeanne Road, South Pardo Road, St. Josephs Road, including George Gordon and Iron Lake Road,

2) All modes of access and travel into Lady Evelyn Park, and on all crown lands in attached map in the Emergency Area Order, unless permitted by MNR permit.

3) Use of Red Squirrel Lake road, beyond the Jack Pine Road intersection is prohibited, unless authorized by permit from MNR.

4) All use and occupation of Crown land within 500 m of the described roads within this area are prohibited.

 

Jul 10, 2018 @ 10:20

Current Fire Situation – July 9, 2018, @ 8:30 pm – From Acting Mayor Dan O’Mara

Emergency Management Committee met at 7:30 pm July 9, 2018

Based on reviews by Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Fire Behaviour Analysts, an Incident Management Command Team will be assuming responsibility for the firefighting efforts tomorrow, and a concern that the fire situation can change very quickly, all existing Evacuation Orders and Evacuation Alerts are to remain in place.

Current conditions around the town of Temagami seem to have stabilized for the moment, however, there are a number of serious fires throughout our area. All Provincial Parks in the area are now closed and all interior and backcountry travel is discouraged/restricted. Please contact Ontario Parks at www.ontarioparks.com for more
information.

If you were staying at Finlayson Point or Marten River Provincial Park please contact the Park directly for information on retrieving your belongings.

Please contact the Municipality of Temagami Office at 705-569-3421 during office hours if you have any questions or concerns. For after-hours immediate concerns only please contact Dan O’Mara 705-237-8460 or Brian Koski at 705-569-4522.

Further updates will be provided after the next Emergency Management Committee meeting scheduled for 10:00 am July 10, 2018.

 

Jul 9, 2018 @ 19:46

On July 8, 2018 at approximately 5:45 p.m. members of the Temiskaming Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) assisted the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) by advising residents living between Finlayson Point Provincial Park Road and Jessie Lake to evacuate their homes due to a dangerously close active forest fire near Temagami, Ontario. The MNRF has implemented this mandatory evacuation and there are approximately 20 homes in this area.

The OPP is focusing on keeping everyone safe. At this time, members of the public are being asked to not stop along the highway to take photos of the fire and/or smoke, and to keep the flow of traffic going.

Boaters are also being asked to stay off Lake Temagami in order allow the water bombers to land and to collect water on this lake for their fire suppression efforts.

*If planning travel, consider delaying your trip or avoiding Highway 11 between North Bay and Temiskaming Shores. The emergency management team will be meeting this evening and further updates will be released when they become available.

Any media personnel having inquiries about the fire, is being asked to contact the MNRF.

 

Jul 9, 2018 @ 18:52

Municipality of Temagami Statement – Current Fire Situation – July 9, 2018 @ 2 pm

Emergency Management Committee met at 2:00 pm July 9, 2018

Reports on the Fires near Temagami are positive. Further updates on other major fires in the area will be provided as they become available.

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Officials are currently assessing the fire near Temagami and are not in a position to change existing evacuation orders. Therefore Mandatory Evacuation Orders from Temagami Shores at the South edge of the town of Temagami to Jesse Lake remains in effect.

Evacuation standby for areas around or near the fire zone near the Town of Temagami will remain in effect until further notice, including the Evacuation Orders for Finlayson Point and Marten River Provincial Parks. The situation will continue to be monitored as the day progresses.

Officials continue to review and set up plans in the event the fire activity increases and an evacuation is needed.
Highway 11 North is open and the Lake Temagami Access Road is travelable. Strathcona Road remains closed. The Temagami Fire Tower Road remains closed with no access allowed to the Fire Tower.

Hydro has been restored to Lake Temagami.

We are advising the public who are planning to use the parks in the Temagami area to check the Ontario Parks website as Provincial and Interior Parks closures are in effect. Go to www.ontarioparks.com for more information.

Anyone requiring accommodation as a result of the evacuation should contact the Municipality of Temagami office at 705-569-3421 and ask for Tammy Lepage during regular office hours.

Please contact the Municipality of Temagami Office at 705-569-3421 if you have any questions or concerns.

Further updates will be provided after the next Emergency Management Committee meeting scheduled for 7:30 pm July 9, 2018.

 

 

Jul 9, 2018 @ 14:41

A state of emergency has been declared for the community of Temagami. The arena in Temagami North is open for anyone who needs a place to stay. Residents have been told to be ready to evacuate.

 

Municipality of Temagami Statement – Current Fire Situation – July 9, 2018 @ 10:30 am

Emergency Management Committee met at 9:00 am July 9, 2018 Mandatory Evacuation Orders from Temagami Shores at the South edge of the town of Temagami to Jesse Lake remains in effect. Evacuation standby for areas around or near the fire zone near the Town of Temagami will remain in effect until further notice. The situation will continue to be monitored as the day progresses. The Emergency Management Committee will meet again at 2 pm July 9, 2018.

Reports from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry were positive and crews are on scene at present evaluating and dealing with issues. Assessment Teams will be out and will be update as things progress.

Highway 11 North is open and the Lake Temagami Access Road is travelable.

Hydro issues on Lake Temagami should be resolved in the next few hours providing the current conditions remain as they are.

The Temagami Arena in the Temagami North (Temagami Townsite) is open for those who need a place to go. Accommodation needs should be reported to the Municipality of Temagami office at 705-569-3421 and ask for Tammy Lepage.

The Municipality will be receiving updates on other fires in the area, especially Fire NB42 near Red Cedar Lake.
Updates and issues dealing with the two Provincial Parks that were evacuated will be handled by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and they will be issuing their own updates and media releases.

The Temiskaming Health Unit will be issuing information related to concerns of the smoke and respiratory issues.
Please contact the Municipality of Temagami Office at 705-569-3421 if you have any questions or concerns. Further updates will be provided after the next meeting scheduled for 2:00 pm this afternoon.

 

Jul 8, 2018 @ 22:35

Municipality of Temagami Statement

Updated Fire Situation in Temagami at 9 pm July 8, 2018; from Acting Mayor Dan O’Mara.

Emergency Management Committee met at 8:30 pm.

Mandatory Evacuation Order from Temagami Shores at the south end of the town to Jesse Lake remains in effect along with evacuation standby for areas around or near fire zone near the Town of Temagami.

Reports from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry are that fire crews are making progress and will continue working the fire until dark and will resume attack efforts at dawn. There are additional crews and resources on route.

Other local fire departments have sent resources to the town and will be coordinating efforts with the Temagami Fire Department and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. We have also been contacted by a number of our neighbouring communities who have offered their support.

The Emergency Management Committee will hold a meeting at 9 a.m. Monday morning to update the situation.

If you have concerns please call Dan O’Mara 705-237-8460 or Brian Koski at 705-569-4522.

 

Jul 8, 2018 @ 20:30

On July 8, 2018 at approximately 5:45 p.m. members of the Temiskaming Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) assisted the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) by advising residents living between Finlayson Point Provincial Park Road and Jessie Lake to evacuate their homes due to a dangerously close active forest fire near Temagami, Ontario. The MNRF has implemented this mandatory evacuation and there are approximately 20 homes in this area.

Members of the public have been asked to leave their residence immediately and travel northbound on Highway 11, away from the active fires.

Residents living in the area between Jessie Lake and the Lake Temagami Access Road have been placed on, “alert” suggesting that they may be asked to evacuate should fire conditions in their area worsen.

Those residents residing in the Town of Temagami are currently on a voluntary notice to evacuate and are also being asked to travel northbound on Highway 11 if they choose to leave at this time.

Assisting with the operations is the Temagami Fire Department. There are currently no road closures which will allow residents time to travel, however; it is anticipated that fire conditions may worsen and as such Highway 11 may be closed at a later time.

*If planning travel, avoid Highway 11 between North Bay and Temiskaming Shores.

 

Jul 8, 2018 @ 19:59

 

Evacuated: Marten River and Finlayson Point Provincial Parks have been evacuated.

Mandatory Evacuation: ALL residents from Temagami Shores to Jesse Lake are under a mandatory evacuation and are to go north.

Standby: Residents from Jesse Lake to the Lake Temagami Access Road are on standby notice.

Alert for Evacuation: Temagami North

Residents on islands in Lake Temagami are being advised to stay where they are at this time.

Marten River is evacuating some roads and is on standby evacuation notice. They are to go south.

The arena in Temagami North is open for people to go there.

The Emergency Management Team has met and will be meeting again this evening and will give updates on the situation as needed.

Those who want to leave on their own are asked to proceed north along Highway 11.

 

Wawa-news will continue to update as information becomes available.