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Forest Fire Situation Update – Northeast Fire Region August 4

By the evening of August 3, there were 45 active forest fires across the northeast. Of these, 21 are not yet under control, 24 are either being held, under control or being observed.

There was one new fire confirmed today in the Northeast Region. Cochrane 34 is located 90 km northeast of Smooth Rock Falls. It measures 1 hectare and is not yet under control.

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

Lady Evelyn Fire Cluster

  • North Bay 72 received a significant amount of precipitation yesterday, and fire activity was minimal today.
  • This fire was first recorded on July 8, 2018 and it measures 27,285 hectares.
  • FireRangers have patrolled over 30 kilometers of fire perimeter by foot to date.
  • All heavy equipment assigned to the fire has been released.
  • It is important to note that while good progress is being made, the fire remains active.

(An aerial view of a section of fire North Bay 72, captured by Heather Pridham, Information Officer with the Lady Evelyn Cluster)

 

Parry Sound 33

  • This fire measures 11,185 hectares.
  • Crews took advantage of today’s higher humidity to continue laying hose around the perimeter of the fire. Bucketing helicopters assisted crews in keeping the spread of the fire in check.
  • The fire is suppressed nicely along the Key River.
  • Helicopter bucketing helped suppress isolated pockets of higher intensity, including torching, within the perimeter of the fire.
  • The west side of the fire remained quiet. Crews started to work into the interior of the perimeter along the south end of Key Harbour.
  • Tomorrow’s weather calls for higher temperatures with low humidity. The hot, dry weather, coupled with the forecasted southwesterly winds, may cause an increase in fire behaviour and test our fire lines. If such an event occurs, we have the resources to respond appropriately.
  • It is important to note that while good progress is being made, the fire remains active. The conditions continue to be very dry, and extreme burning conditions are still possible. Land and water restrictions remain in place at this time for protection of people, property and to allow our crews to do their work. Patrols from OPP and Conservation Officers will continue throughout the area around the fire.
  • We continue to work hard to manage Parry Sound 33 in order to get people back into their residences safely. We thank you for your patience and ongoing support.
  • Earlier this week, 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.
  • Earlier this week, 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: 1-888-220-7242
  • 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.

Pembroke Fire Cluster

  • Crews continue to make good progress on all fires. Pembroke 5, Pembroke 7 and Algonquin Park 11 are under control. Pembroke 6 is being held.

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 600 firefighters and support staff are currently in the province.
    • Alberta is providing personnel, equipment and aircraft.
    • British Columbia is providing equipment.
    • Newfoundland is providing personnel and equipment.
    • Northwest Territories is providing personnel, equipment and aircraft.
    • Nova Scotia is providing equipment.
    • Prince Edward Island is providing personnel.
    • New Brunswick is providing personnel.
    • Saskatchewan is providing personnel and equipment.
    • Quebec is providing personnel and aircraft.
    • Minnesota, USA, is providing personnel.
    • Wisconsin, USA, is providing personnel.
    • Mexico is providing personnel.
    • Parks Canada is providing personnel.
  • Additional personnel and equipment are expected to arrive in the province in the coming days.

(The team of forest firefighters from Mexico and Ontario at the River Valley incident command post today, photo provided by Simon Ethier)

Smoke concerns

  • Smoke may be noted in the community of Fort Severn in the Far North, due to 9 active fires to the south and west of the community.
  • 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.

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

Report Prepared by the AFFES Communications Team

 

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