Number of active fires in Northwest Region continue to drop

Tim Brody - Editor

The number of active fires in the Northwest Region had dropped to 19 as of Sunday evening according to the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES).

According to AFFES, the wildland fire hazard is low to moderate across most of the Northwest Region, except for areas of high hazard in the Red Lake and Fort Frances sectors.   

AFFES reminds the public to use caution when performing 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,” AFFES shared, adding, “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.” 

Fire permits to burn brush and grass can be purchased from the Municipality of Sioux Lookout at the Municipal Office through the finance department.