The Ministry of Natural Resources is dealing with a couple of large forest fires.
Kenora Fire #14 near Whitedog has been remapped to almost one thousand hectares.
Right now, the First Nation of Wabaseemoong is not being threatened, and air quality has improved with shifting winds.
An Emergency Area Order has been issued for that part of the province.
That includes:
- All travel and use of roads, including Highway 525 at and beyond the northern boundary of Wabaseemoong First Nation, is prohibited unless authorized by a travel permit.
- All use of lakes and waterways within the English River system between Tetu Lake and Umfreville Lake is prohibited.
- All use of lakes and waterways between Goshawk Lake and Umfreville Lake is prohibited.
In the meantime, 11 fire ranger crews have been assigned to the forest fire and four helicopters are being used.
Three more aircraft have also been dispatched.
The other significant fire is Dryden fire #5, which is located on Sturgeon Lake, about 62 kilometers north of Ignace.
It’s currently about 70 hectares in size and not under control, but the MNR says it’s responding well to the use of water bombers.
There are currently 4 crews and heavy equipment assigned to the fire and the protection of property in the area is underway.
There were two more forest fires to report on Sunday, and six over the weekend.
Currently there are 6 active fires in the Northwest Region, 2 are under control, and 4 are not under control.
(Photo from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry)
