Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry advising caution for outdoor burning
Tim Brody - Editor
As of last Sunday evening, 25 active fires were burning in the Northwest Region.
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 12 of those fires were not under control, two were being held, seven fires were under control and four fires were being observed.
Seven new fires were confirmed in the Northwest Region by the late afternoon of July 26 including:
Sioux Lookout 35 is located west of St. Raphael Provincial Park, approximately 77 kilometres northeast of Sioux Lookout. The 0.1 hectare fire is not under control.
Sioux Lookout 36 is located near Atik Creek, approximately 39 kilometres north of Pickle Lake. The five hectare fire is not under control.
Sioux Lookout 37 is located near Achapi Lake, approximately 51 kilometres southeast of Pickle Lake. The 10 hectare fire is not under control.
Sioux Lookout 38 is located approximately 15 kilometres southwest of the remote community of Kingfisher Lake. The 0.4 hectare fire is not under control.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry informed, “The fire hazard in the region is low to moderate in the southern portions of the region including the Fort Frances and Thunder Bay sectors. Areas of the Kenora, Dryden, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout and Nipigon sectors feature high to extreme hazard conditions.”
The Ministry’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services division is reminding the public to use caution when doing any outdoor burning.
“In order to dispose of yard waste and woody debris, we encourage you to use methods such as composting or using your local landfill. If you must burn, follow Ontario’s outdoor burning regulations.
“Fires are to be ignited no sooner than two hours before sunset and extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise.
“Always have tools/water adequate to contain the fire at the site.
“Know the rules for safe outdoor burning. To consult the full set of outdoor burning regulations under Ontario’s Forest Fire Prevention Act, visit our website at ontario.ca/page/outdoor-fire-rules-and-permits,” Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services advised.