Forest fire crews deal with a few fires this week

Some forest fire activity in northwestern Ontario this week.

Crews with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services were called to four fires.

The most recent was a small blaze, five kilometres northwest of Gameland at the west end of the Rainy River District.

It was sparked yesterday afternoon, and as of this morning, it was still listed as active.

Similar small fires on Wednesday.

One was located at the south end of Route Lake near Bailey Creek, north of Dryden.

The fire was called out the same day at 0.1 hectares in size.

The other was near Whitedog Lake in Wabaseemoong.

It was also called out that afternoon after burning 0.6 hectares.

The day before fire crews dealt with a small blaze just west of the Greenstone Regional Airport on Highway 584.

The Ministry reported a larger fire west of Fort Frances.

The 17.5 ha fire was identified east of Kehl Lake.

As of Friday afternoon, it was listed as being not under control.

Recent warm temperatures have increased the forest fire hazard to high for much of the region.

As of this morning, there were pockets in the extreme range in the west end of the Rainy River District, in the Manitou Lake region and northwest of Lac La Croix.

The hazard is likely to be reduced with the forecast of cooler temperatures and rain this weekend.

Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services also reminds the public to use caution when performing any outdoor burning.

If you have to dispose of yard waste and woody debris, it encourages residents to compost or haul the material to the landfill.

If you must burn, follow Ontario’s Outdoor Burning Regulations.

Fires are to be ignited no sooner than two hours before sunset and are to be extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise.

To report a wildland fire located north of the French and Mattawa rivers, please dial 310-FIRE.

To report a wildland fire located south of the French or Mattawa Rivers, please dial 9-1-1.