Forest Fire Situation – UPDATE Aug 1, 2018 @ 07:35

Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services
Forest Fire Situation Update
Northeast Fire Region
July 31, 2018
Time of Report 10:45

• By the evening of July 31, there were 41 active forest fires across the northeast. Of these, 13 are not yet under control, 28 are either being held, under control or being observed.
• There were five new fires confirmed in the region today, four of which were in the Sudbury sector. One has already been called out.
  • Sudbury 97 – located southeast of Lake Wanapitei – is being held at 0.2 of a hectare.
  • Sudbury 98 – approximately 5 km west of Mozhabong Lake – covers 0.3 of a hectare and is not yet under control.
  • Sudbury 99 – west of Squirrel Lake – is being held at 0.1 of a hectare.
  • Cochrane 23 is located approximately 136 km southwest of Moosonee and covers 33 hectares.

Incident Management Teams

• Incident Management Teams (IMTs) are in place in the region. They are managing priority fires in the following areas:
  • Lady Evelyn Cluster
  • Parry Sound 33
  • Pembroke Cluster

Parry Sound 33

• 10,139 hectares in size.
• Fire behaviour was less active today as high humidity levels and cloud cover aided in fire suppression.
• The northeast portion of the fire closest to the Pickerel River was the most active part today. Winds from the southwest pushed some activity along the Pickerel, but it’s still holding south of the river.
• The northeast corner of the fire is tucked along the west side of Little Canoe Channel. Ignition operations in that area were completed earlier this evening to tie the fire together and slow its progression down.
• Structural protection continues. Additional protection occurred along the Key and French Rivers with sprinklers set up in noted priority zones.
• Crews worked the perimeter of the fire by continuing hose line north and northwest of Key Harbour. Sixty firefighters were placed along the east side, south of the Key River to continue perimeter containment.
• Even though the focus is on the northeast side, we continue to supress and monitor all portions of the fire.
• Winds are forecasted to be out of the north tomorrow. The fire is approximately five kilometres west of highway 69 and less than one kilometre south of Pickerel River.
• The Municipality of Killarney issued an evacuation order for residents in the areas of Travers, Allen, Struthers, Kilpatrick, Bigwood (including Hartley Bay Road), a portion of Mowat, the Unsurveyed Area, 14 Mile Island and French River Provincial Park. For information, call the municipality at 705-287-2424.
• The Municipality of French River issued an Evacuation Alert for the Alban area, west of the high powered hydro lines on Highway 64. For more information, call the municipality at 705-898-2294 or visit www.frenchriver.ca
• For updates on highway conditions, including closures, please call 511.
• For information about the fire situation: 705-564-6165
• For media inquiries: 705-564-6156
• For inquiries about French River Provincial Park restrictions: 705-857-1630 ext. 224
• For inquiries about Grundy Lake Provincial Park closure: 705-383-2286 or 705-795-0803
• For Parry Sound District information, including calls related travel restrictions or to the recommendation of these evacuations and alerts, call 705-773-4218.
• For Sudbury District information, including calls related to travel restrictions or to the recommendation of evacuation alerts, call 705-564-7963.

Lady Evelyn Fire Cluster

• North Bay 72 covers 27,285.7 hectares. It is not yet under control.
• There were a few smokes and hot spots observed again today.
• Values protection equipment remains in place for camps and cottages located on Mendelssohn Lake and Skull Lake.
• There is over 12km of dozer guard along the northwest head of the fire, which was created using multiple pieces of heavy equipment.
• There are over 200 front line forest fire fighters assigned to this fire.

Pembroke Fire Cluster

• Crews continue to make good progress on all fires. Pembroke 5, Pembroke 7 and Algonquin Park 11 are being held. Pembroke 6 is not yet under control at 697 hectares.

Resources From Out of Province

• Ontario is receiving support from across Canada, the United States and Mexico to assist with the fire situation. A total of 627 firefighters and support staff are currently in the province.
  • Alberta is providing personnel, equipment and aircraft.
  • British Columbia is providing personnel and equipment.
  • Newfoundland is providing personnel and equipment.
  • Northwest Territories is providing personnel, equipment and aircraft.
  • Nova Scotia is providing personnel and equipment.
  • Saskatchewan is providing personnel.
  • Minnesota, USA, is providing personnel.
  • Wisconsin, USA, is providing personnel.
  • Mexico is providing personnel.
  • Parks Canada is providing two ignition specialists.
• Additional personnel and equipment are expected to arrive in the province in the coming days.

Smoke concerns

• Smoke from large fires across the region will be visible until fire activity is reduced and 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.

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

Travel restrictions in the Parry Sound and Sudbury districts have been expanded in the vicinity of the Parry Sound 33 fire. Travel restrictions also remain in place for parts of North Bay, Kirkland Lake, Sudbury and Pembroke and districts due to forest fires.

For details, visit Ontario.ca/forestfire.

Travel restrictions in the North Bay, Kirkland Lake, Sudbury districts have been updated. Consult the website on Tuesday morning for updated information and a new map.

RESTRICTED FIRE ZONES

Restricted fire zone expanded to additional parts of the Northeast fire region (southern region)

Due to the extreme fire hazard, several recent periods of heavy lightning, little precipitation and increased forest fire activity, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has expanded the Restricted Fire Zone to include parts of the Southern Region of Ontario as outlined on the interactive map.  This expansion of the current Restricted Fire Zone will be in effect as of 12:01 AM on July 24, and will remain in place until further notice.

• The expanded Restricted Fire Zone now includes Zones 24, 25, & 26 which would include areas south of the French River, including Parry Sound, from Georgian Bay east to the Quebec border, including Algonquin Provincial Park and from Renfrew north to Mattawa.
• To date, the current MNRF Restricted Fire Zone covers Zones 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, & 26 and restrictions will remain in place until further notice.  See the fire map for an outline of the zones covered.
• During a Restricted Fire Zone, the use of open fires – such as campfires, or burning of brush or debris is restricted. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to $25,000 and three months in jail, as well as financial responsibility for the costs incurred in fighting a forest fire.
• Portable gas or propane stoves are permitted for use for cooking or warmth, though they should be closely monitored. Portable charcoal BBQs and Hibachis are not permitted unless within 100 metres of a dwelling, or within an organized campground.
• Commercial campground operators may allow their guests to enjoy campfires during a Restricted Fire Zone period provided they meet certain conditions in the Outdoor Fires Regulation (207/96).

The Restricted Fire Zone is a temporary measure to reduce the number of new human-caused wildfires as the Aviation Forest Fire and Emergency Services branch of the OMNRF expects the elevated forest fire hazard to continue into the foreseeable future.

Fire numbers and online information

• To report a forest fire located north of the French and Mattawa rivers, please dial 310-FIRE
• To report a forest fire located south of the French or Mattawa rivers, please dial 911.
• Follow us on Twitter: @ONForestFires / @ONFeudeforêt

Jul 31, 2018 @ 14:09

Confirming that Grundy Lake Provincial Park is closed (confirmed until August 9) due to the significant increase level of smoke at times affecting the air quality in the park from nearby forest fire activity.

Public safety is our top priority. We hope to reopen the park as soon as it is safe to do so.

We will be reassessing again on August 7 if further cancellations are required.

Jul 31, 2018 @ 14:09

Public safety is our top priority. Grundy Lake Provincial Park has been evacuated and temporarily closed due to the significant increase level of smoke at times affecting the air quality in the park from nearby forest fire activity. The decision was made as a precaution due to a change in conditions including wind direction and speed, upcoming forecasts and fire behaviour causing an increased risk to air quality. We hope to reopen the park as soon as it is safe to do so. We will be reassessing again on August 7th if further cancellations are required.

Jul 31, 2018 @ 07:38

First row is a table header

Environment Canada has issued a Special air quality statement for Bayfield Inlet – Dunchurch, Espanola – Killarney

They explain that smoke is causing poor air quality and reducing visibility. Possible high levels of air pollution due to smoke from forest fires are expected this morning. Smoke plumes are moving northeast over areas near Grundy Lake Provincial Park towards Lake Nipissing and North Bay from forest fires west of Key River. Air quality may deteriorate if the smoke descends to ground level.

These higher pollution levels may persist for the next few days.

Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.

Be air aware! Check your local weather forecasts and alerts so you know when to take extra care.

Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.

Jul 31, 2018 @ 06:53

Animated Gif showing growth of Parry Sound 33 in July. Click to open in new window and start animation.

Jul 31, 2018 @ 05:13

Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services
Forest Fire Situation Update
Northeast Fire Region
July 30, 2018
Time of Report 11:52

• By the evening of July 30 there were 41 active forest fires across the northeast. Of these, 15 are not yet under control, 26 are either being held, under control or being observed.
• There were four new fires confirmed in the region today.
  • Timmins 14 – west of Tatachikapika River Plain – is already under control at 0.3 hectares.
  • Sudbury 93 is located north of Mud Lake and is not yet under control at 0.1 hectares.
  • Sudbury 94 is located southwest of Otter Lake and is not yet under control at 0.3 hectares.
  • Sudbury 95 is located southwest of Wahnapitae and is not yet under control at 0.2 hectares.

Incident Management Teams

• Incident Management Teams (IMTs) are in place in the region. They are managing priority fires in the following areas:
  • Lady Evelyn Cluster
  • Parry Sound 33
  • Pembroke Cluster

Parry Sound 33

• Approximately five kilometres west of highway 69 and less than one kilometre south of the Pickerel River.

• The Municipality of French River issued an Evacuation Alert for the Alban area, west of the high powered hydro lines on Highway 64. For more information, call the municipality at 705-898-2294 or visit www.frenchriver.ca

• Parry Sound 33 covers 8973 hectares in size. Today, winds occurred from the west/southwest.
• The northeast and east portions of the fire were the most active and a few of these sections progressed eastward towards the CN Line. Crews have been working hard to slow the fire’s progression in this part of the fire.
• Structural protection continues. Structures along the Pickerel and Key Rivers have had sprinklers set up on them today as well as structures along the French River on Hartley Bay Road.
• Crews worked on the southeast portion to hold the perimeter and complete hose line.
• Water bucketing and water bombers along the east flank continue as aerial suppression efforts seek to close in the fire.
• Even though the focus is on the northeast side, we continue to supress and monitor all portions of the fire. Aerial ignition on portions of the fire near Fox Island have brought the fire to natural boundaries removing the fire hazard in this area.
• The fire behaviour for tomorrow is expected to remain the same as today. High temperatures mixed with low humidity will be present on the fire site.
• Winds from the west/southwest will occur again into tomorrow, possibly bringing more smoke into surrounding communities and along highway 69.

• For updates on highway conditions, including closures, please call 511.
• For information about the fire situation: 705-564-6165
• For media inquiries: 705-564-6156
• For inquiries about French River Provincial Park restrictions: 705-857-1630 ext. 224
• For inquiries about Grundy Lake Provincial Park closure: 705-383-2286 or 705-795-0803
• For Parry Sound District information, including calls related travel restrictions or to the recommendation of these evacuations and alerts, call 705-773-4218.
• For Sudbury District information, including calls related to travel restrictions or to the recommendation of evacuation alerts, call 705-564-7963.

Lady Evelyn Fire Cluster

• North Bay 72
• Not under control.
• The fire is approx. 27,275 hectares.
• There were a few smokes and hot spots observed today.
• Infrared scanning continues to happen when weather conditions cooperate.
• Multiple pieces of heavy equipment continue to build dozer guard along the fire’s edge.

Pembroke Fire Cluster

• Crews continue to make good progress on all fires. Pembroke 5, Pembroke 7 and Algonquin Park 11 are being held. Pembroke 6 is not yet under control.

Resources From Out of Province

• Ontario is receiving support from across Canada, the United States and Mexico to assist with the fire situation. A total of 609 firefighters and support staff are currently in the province.
  • Alberta is providing personnel, equipment and aircraft.
  • British Columbia is providing personnel and equipment.
  • Newfoundland is providing personnel and equipment.
  • Northwest Territories is providing personnel, equipment and aircraft.
  • Nova Scotia is providing personnel and equipment.
  • Saskatchewan is providing personnel.
  • Minnesota, USA, is providing personnel.
  • Wisconsin, USA, is providing personnel.
  • Mexico is providing personnel.
  • Parks Canada is providing two ignition specialists.
• Additional personnel and equipment are expected to arrive in the province in the coming days.

Smoke concerns

• Smoke from large fires across the region will be visible until fire activity is reduced and 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.

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

Travel restrictions in the Parry Sound and Sudbury districts have been expanded in the vicinity of the Parry Sound 33 fire. Travel restrictions also remain in place for parts of North Bay, Kirkland Lake, Sudbury and Pembroke and districts due to forest fires.

For details, visit Ontario.ca/forestfire.

RESTRICTED FIRE ZONES

Restricted fire zone expanded to additional parts of the Northeast fire region (southern region)

Due to the extreme fire hazard, several recent periods of heavy lightning, little precipitation and increased forest fire activity, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has expanded the Restricted Fire Zone to include parts of the Southern Region of Ontario as outlined on the interactive map.  This expansion of the current Restricted Fire Zone will be in effect as of 12:01 AM on July 24, and will remain in place until further notice.

• The expanded Restricted Fire Zone now includes Zones 24, 25, & 26 which would include areas south of the French River, including Parry Sound, from Georgian Bay east to the Quebec border, including Algonquin Provincial Park and from Renfrew north to Mattawa.
• To date, the current MNRF Restricted Fire Zone covers Zones 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, & 26 and restrictions will remain in place until further notice.  See the fire map for an outline of the zones covered.
• During a Restricted Fire Zone, the use of open fires – such as campfires, or burning of brush or debris is restricted. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to $25,000 and three months in jail, as well as financial responsibility for the costs incurred in fighting a forest fire.
• Portable gas or propane stoves are permitted for use for cooking or warmth, though they should be closely monitored. Portable charcoal BBQs and Hibachis are not permitted unless within 100 metres of a dwelling, or within an organized campground.
• Commercial campground operators may allow their guests to enjoy campfires during a Restricted Fire Zone period provided they meet certain conditions in the Outdoor Fires Regulation (207/96).

The Restricted Fire Zone is a temporary measure to reduce the number of new human-caused wildfires as the Aviation Forest Fire and Emergency Services branch of the OMNRF expects the elevated forest fire hazard to continue into the foreseeable future.

Fire numbers and online information

• To report a forest fire located north of the French and Mattawa rivers, please dial 310-FIRE
• To report a forest fire located south of the French or Mattawa rivers, please dial 911.
• Follow us on Twitter: @ONForestFires / @ONFeudeforêt

OPP for Noelville, Sudbury (Jul 30, 2018 @ 18:57)

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) continues to work diligently on Parry Sound Fire 33. For the most up-to-date information on the fire, please visit www.ontario.ca/page/forest-fires.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is assisting the MNRF in regards to public safety. The OPP is reminding the public that all waterways in the area are off limits. There is no access to the Key River, French River and the Pickerel River. Persons entering this area by boat or plane will be charged.

The OPP would also like to remind the public that flying drones within nine kilometers of a forest fire is not only prohibited but also dangerous as it interferes with the MNRF’s efforts in fighting the fire. The fine for flying within this range can be up to $3000.

People travelling along highway 69 in the Key River and Henvey Inlet area, as well as Highway 64 in French River, will observe reduced visibility at times due to smoke. The OPP is reminding motorists to slow down and turn on your headlights as well as your taillights for increased visibility.

Forest fires are unpredictable and their size and movement can be affected by a number of factors in a short period of time.

The cause of the fire is not known and is being investigated by the MNRF.

For information about the fire situation: 705-564-6165

For media inquiries: 705-564-6156

For inquiries about French River Provincial Park restrictions: 705-857-1630 ext 224

For Parry Sound District information, including all calls related to the recommendation of these evacuations and alerts: 705-773-4218 or 705-564-7963

For updates on highway conditions, including closures, please call 5-1-1

Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services
Forest Fire Situation Update
Northeast Fire Region
July 29, 2018
Time of Report 11:45pm

• By the evening of July 29 there were 39 active forest fires across the northeast. Of these, 14 are not yet under control, 25 are either being held, under control or being observed.
• Two new fires were discovered today and two fires were also extinguished.

Incident Management Teams

• Incident Management Teams (IMTs) are in place in the region. They are managing priority fires in the following areas:
  • River Valley Cluster
  • Lady Evelyn Cluster
  • Parry Sound 33
  • Pembroke Cluster

Parry Sound 33

• Parry Sound 33 is 8224 hectares in size. Due to winds, the northeast side of the fire was the most active today.
• Northern areas of the fire held up well today west of Key Junction, however, parts of the northeast flanks south of Key Junction were quite active, but haven’t crossed the rail line.

• Structural protection was completed in Henvey Inlet. Protection for Key River and Grundy Lake will begin tomorrow. Equipment will be removed from Key Harbour as perimeter control has been completed in that area.
• Crews worked on the southeast portion to hold the perimeter and complete hose line.

• Aerial suppression continued today with water bomber and water bucketing efforts on the east flank.
• Winds from the west/southwest will occur again into tomorrow, possibly bringing more smoke into surrounding communities and along highway 69. The fire remains approximately six kilometres west of highway 69 and less than one kilometre south of the Pickerel River near the CN trestle bridge on the west side of highway 69.

 Contact information for Conditions

• For updates on highway conditions, including closures, please call 511.
• For information about the fire situation: 705-564-6165
• For media inquiries: 705-564-6156
• For inquiries about French River Provincial Park restrictions: 705-857-1630 ext. 224
• For inquiries about Grundy Lake Provincial Park closure: 705-383-2286 or 705-795-0803
• For Parry Sound District information, including calls related travel restrictions or to the recommendation of these evacuations and alerts, call 705-773-4218.
• For Sudbury District information, including calls related to travel restrictions or to the recommendation of evacuation alerts, call 705-564-7963.

River Valley Fire Cluster

• This cluster includes North Bay 25, 42 and 62.
• North Bay 25 is at 176 hectares in Sturgeon River Provincial Park. North Bay 42, north of Red Cedar Lake, is being held at 350 hectares. North Bay 62 is southwest of Hand Lake and is under control at 2,500 hectares.
• There are 129 people working on these fires including fire fighters from Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and Mexico.

Lady Evelyn Fire Cluster

• North Bay 72 was remapped at 27,275 hectares – a decrease of 304 hectares. By flying at a low level when there is very little smoke, staff are better able to see the edge of the fire and map it more accurately.
• This fire is still listed at not under control and may become more active over the next few days as the areas starts to dry out from recent precipitation. Another group of Mexican firefighters has arrived at this fire and will be placed on the fireline in the morning.

Tents are set up at the Lady Evelyn Cluster base camp. Crews set up camps like this at night, safely away from the active fire line.

Pembroke Fire Cluster

• Pembroke 5 is 37.5 hectares and Pembroke 7 is 72.5 hectares. Both fires are being held. Crews are working the interior of the fires looking for hot spots and expanding the control line around the fire.
• Pembroke 6 is not yet under control. No growth was observed today on this fire. Crews continue to make progress on the perimeter of the fire while they identify and suppress hot spots.
• Algonquin Park 11 is being held at 34.2 hectares. Crews continue to make good progress toward the interior of this fire.

Resources From Out of Province

• Ontario is receiving support from across Canada, the United States and Mexico to assist with the fire situation. A total of 610 firefighters and support staff are currently in the province.
  • Alberta is providing personnel, equipment and aircraft.
  • British Columbia is providing personnel and equipment.
  • Newfoundland is providing personnel and equipment.
  • Northwest Territories is providing personnel, equipment and aircraft.
  • Nova Scotia is providing personnel and equipment.
  • Saskatchewan is providing personnel and aircraft.
  • Minnesota, USA, is providing personnel.
  • Wisconsin, USA, is providing personnel.
  • Mexico is providing personnel.
  • Parks Canada is providing two ignition specialists.
• Additional personnel and equipment are expected to arrive in the province in the coming days.

Crews from Mexico are assisting with Ontario’s forest fire situation.

Smoke concerns

• Smoke from large fires across the region will be visible until fire activity is reduced and 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.

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

Travel restrictions are in place for parts of North Bay, Kirkland Lake, Sudbury, Pembroke and Parry Sound districts due to forest fires. For details, visit Ontario.ca/forestfire.

RESTRICTED FIRE ZONES

Restricted fire zone expanded to additional parts of the Northeast fire region (southern region)

Due to the extreme fire hazard, several recent periods of heavy lightning, little precipitation and increased forest fire activity, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has expanded the Restricted Fire Zone to include parts of the Southern Region of Ontario as outlined on the interactive map.  This expansion of the current Restricted Fire Zone will be in effect as of 12:01 AM on July 24, and will remain in place until further notice.

• The expanded Restricted Fire Zone now includes Zones 24, 25, & 26 which would include areas south of the French River, including Parry Sound, from Georgian Bay east to the Quebec border, including Algonquin Provincial Park and from Renfrew north to Mattawa.
• To date, the current MNRF Restricted Fire Zone covers Zones 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, & 26 and restrictions will remain in place until further notice.  See the fire map for an outline of the zones covered.
• During a Restricted Fire Zone, the use of open fires – such as campfires, or burning of brush or debris is restricted. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to $25,000 and three months in jail, as well as financial responsibility for the costs incurred in fighting a forest fire.
• Portable gas or propane stoves are permitted for use for cooking or warmth, though they should be closely monitored. Portable charcoal BBQs and Hibachis are not permitted unless within 100 metres of a dwelling, or within an organized campground.
• Commercial campground operators may allow their guests to enjoy campfires during a Restricted Fire Zone period provided they meet certain conditions in the Outdoor Fires Regulation (207/96).

The Restricted Fire Zone is a temporary measure to reduce the number of new human-caused wildfires as the Aviation Forest Fire and Emergency Services branch of the OMNRF expects the elevated forest fire hazard to continue into the foreseeable future.

Fire numbers and online information

• To report a forest fire located north of the French and Mattawa rivers, please dial 310-FIRE
• To report a forest fire located south of the French or Mattawa rivers, please dial 911.
• Follow us on Twitter: @ONForestFires / @ONFeudeforêt

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Natural Resources Forestry

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is a government ministry of the Canadian province of Ontario that is responsible for Ontario’s provincial parks, forests, fisheries, wildlife, mineral aggregates and the Crown lands and waters that make up 87 per cent of the province. Its offices are divided into Northwestern, Northeastern and Southern Ontario regions with the main headquarters in Peterborough, Ontario.[1]

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