**MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND FORESTRY NEWS UPDATE**

Restricted Fire Zone declared in Northeast Region
Due to the extreme fire hazard, several recent periods of heavy lightning and the large number of wildfires burning, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has implemented a Restricted Fire Zone in some areas of Northeastern Ontario as outlined on the interactive fire map.

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.

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.

The forest fire hazard is expected to be generally moderate to high across the Northeast tomorrow.

NORTHEAST REGION

Regional Fire Situation – July 15, 2018

By the evening of July 15, there are 55 active forest fires across the Northeast, of these, 24 are not yet under control, 30 are either being held, under control or being observed. Five fires have been extinguished over the last 24 hours.

  • It was an active fire day for Timmins 12. Air attack was dispatched again today to help reduce fire activity. This fire, located east of Night Hawk Lake, is now listed at 100 hectares and is not yet under control.

A low pressure system is making its way across the province and should be positioned over the Northeast region tonight. Associated precipitation is expected to be scattered and with localized thunderstorms.

Several new and existing fires required support from air attack today due to the extreme heat conditions across the Northeast.

  • A quick strike package from Quebec was utilized to help contain the Cochrane 9 fire which is listed as not under control at 15 hectares.

There were 14 new fires discovered today most of which were lightning caused. Some fires of note include:

  • Cochrane 8, located northeast of Cochrane near Trapline Lake is not under control at 25 hectares.
  • Hearst 12 is located north of Highway 11 and listed at 25 hectares. This fire is still not under control.

Incident Management Teams

Incident Management Teams (IMTs) have mobilized in the region and are taking over priority fires in 3 areas:

  • River Valley Cluster
  • Lake Temagami Cluster
  • Lady Evelyn Cluster

River Valley Fire Cluster:

There were 13 crews working the south and west perimeters of North Bay 62 today, which is listed at 2 500 hectares and not under control. North Bay 42 is utilizing 7 crews to work both flanks as well as the rear of the fire. Fire activity was supported by helicopter bucketing in priority areas of the fires.  Support staff are continuing to establish base camp operations.

Lady Evelyn Fire Cluster:

There are 16 crews from across the country working to contain North Bay 72. Crews from Ontario, Nova Scotia, the Northwest Territories, Alberta and Newfoundland are all supporting firefighting efforts. Today, fire ignition specialist completed a successful burning operation in the area of Rookery Lake. This operation removed available forest fuel and effectively contained that section of the fire. Other than ignition operations, North Bay 72 saw no significant growth today. More crews are expected to join this fire cluster in the coming days.

Temagami Fire Cluster:

Today, minimal fire activity was recorded in the Temagami cluster and most fires are either being held or under control, two fires were extinguished in the cluster. North Bay 56 was supported by bucketing activity today for a short period of time while fire crews continued suppression activities. North Bay 69 had minimal smoke today and fire activity was reduced due to recent weather conditions.

Resources From Out of Province

  • Saskatchewan has provided 3 support staff and an air tanker package.
  • Alberta has supplied fifteen 4 person initial attack fire crews, a 19 person Incident Management Team and 9 support staff. There are also 2 air tanker packages in addition to fire suppression equipment such as pumps and hose.
  • British Columbia has supplied twenty 3 person crews and 2 support staff.
  • Nova Scotia has supplied five 4 person crews and 2 support staff.
  • Prince Edward Island has supplied a 4 person crew.
  • Newfoundland has supplied a 4 person crew and one support staff.
  • Northwest Territories has supplied five 4 person crews, one 3 person crew and one support staff
  • Minnesota has supplied 2 support staff

Additional resources expected in the coming days

  • Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Minnesota are planning on sending fire crews to Ontario in the coming days to aid with suppression efforts
  • Northwest Territories and British Columbia will be provided additional fire suppression equipment to support fire operations
  • Alberta is planning on sending over another air tanker package

SMOKE CONCERNS

  • Many Ontario residents have reported smoke drift in their communities. Smoky conditions are expected to continue when fires are active, until 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.

Temagami area information

The MNRF has been advised by the Municipality of Temagami that the Mandatory Evacuation Orders from Temagami Shores, at the south edge of the town of Temagami, to Jessie Lake including Bell Island on Lake Temagami have been downgraded to an Evacuation Alert. Residents may return home however, must remain on alert as they can be asked to leave again at any time based on the fire situation. Other Evacuation Alerts remain in place.

For information about these travel restrictions: 705-475-5546 

For media inquiries contact: 705-564-6146

For inquiries by members of the public contact: 705-564-6165

For inquiries on highway closures: Call 5-1-1