Fire crews continue to have busy summer battling forest fires

Tim Brody - Editor

Fire crews with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) continue to face a busy forest fire season.
AFFES reported in their July 23 evening report that there are 44 active fires in the Northwest Region. Of those fires, 9 are not under control, 4 fires are being held, 1 fire is under control and 30 fires are being observed. 
According to AFFES, the wildland fire hazard is a mainly low to moderate across the Northwest Region, with pockets of high hazard scattered throughout most sectors.
AFFES shared the following information on “Northwest Fires of Note:”

• Sioux Lookout 33 is located on the western edge of Wabakimi Provincial Park and is 60,394 hectares in size and not under control. Crews continue to establish hose lines while helicopter bucketing operations continue to work priority areas on the fire.  
  
• Sioux Lookout 44 located on the west side of Lake St. Joseph is now being held at 6,730 hectares in size. Crews continue to consolidate hose lines on priority areas of the fire. 
  
• Nipigon 19 is located northwest of Ogoki Lake and is 10,182 hectares in size and not under control. Crews continue to work on hot spots identified by infrared scanning.  
  
• Red Lake 28 located 40 kilometers North of Lac Seul First Nation is now being held at 19,177 hectares in size. Crews continue to establish hose lines while helicopter bucketing operations continue to provide support.
  

AFFES is advising the public, “When waterbombers approach a body of water, move close to the shore so they can perform their scoop safely. A waterbomber will not scoop from a lake or river if encroaching watercraft pose a safety hazard. Be safe, stay clear of waterbombers.”
AFFES is also advising that flying drones around forest fires, “is both dangerous and illegal. When you fly a drone near a forest fire, you can put the lives of pilots, firefighters and other emergency personnel at risk. Be safe, stay clear of forest fires.”