Fire crews, waterbombers battling wildfire near Pickle Lake

Tim Brody - Editor

Ministry of Natural Resources FireRanger crews were continuing to battle a wildfire burning out of control northeast of Pickle Lake between the town and neighbouring area of Central Patricia as of 6 p.m. Sunday evening.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) sent out the following report on Sunday evening, “Sioux Lookout 8 near Pickle Lake (833 hectares) is responding well to rain following a day of active fire behavior on Saturday. A total of 17 crews are assigned to the fire, command over which has transitioned to an Incident Management Team. Heavy equipment has constructed over 2.5 kilometres of fire guard in critical areas and values protection (sprinkler) systems have been installed on buildings and infrastructure as a precaution.”
The Township of Pickle Lake shared via its Facebook page on June 9, “At this time we maintain there is NO evacuation order or state of emergency declared.”
“MNRF has maintained that the fire has not been deemed as ‘under control’ at this time. In order for the fire to be de-escalated it must remain in a dormant state for a certain number of days; if weather patterns remain the same we anticipate this de-escalation mid-week. MNRF is doing an excellent job keeping us informed. Crews are still on the fire lines and maintaining the perimeter,” the Township of Pickle Lake shared, adding, “The Municipality maintains a 12 hour mobilization if we start to see activity again on the fire. We continue to request that residents do not drive down barricaded roads; these are fire crew access only at this time. Please continue to obey direction given by FIRE/OPP/Municipal Staff. If you require EMS Services please call 928-2255. If you need to report active fire activity please call 310-FIRE.”
Nishnawbe Aski Nation shared on their Facebook page on June 9, “The fire is more than 780 hectares and is not under control. It is burning along Pickle Lake Road, about one kilometre northwest of the town, which connects the town site to Highway 599. Roads in and out of Pickle Lake and Central Patricia remain open. Residents are asked to avoid all unnecessary travel to keep roadways clear for fire crews. Barricades are still set up around town to mark Fire Crews Access Only Zones. Residents are asked to refrain from entering these zones.
“Landlines are still down around town. Bell Canada has requested that if your landline is down, to call 310-BELL. Residents requiring EMS services can call 807-928-2255. To report further fires call 310-3473.
The Township of Pickle Lake is providing updates on the fire and potential evacuation on its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/townshipofpicklelake/.”