East Region fire zone update

MNR News Release

********************

There is a restricted Fire Zone in place for northeastern Ontario. This restriction includes areas north of the French River to the James Bay coast and from the Quebec border west to the Pic River including Manitoulin Island.

The Restricted Fire Zone will be in effect until further notice. All burning permits are suspended and all open air burning, including campfires, is prohibited. Within a Restricted Fire Zone, campers can still use portable gas or propane cook stoves for cooking and warmth but should exercise extreme caution.

Fireworks are permitted during a Restricted Fire Zone, however, they must be discharged at least 300 metres from a forested area and all residue from the fireworks must be completely extinguished.

A map of the Restricted Fire Zone can be viewed by visiting this link http://forest.lrc.gov.on.ca/AFFM/fire/interactivemap/RFZ/map.html.

2 new fire starts today to add to the 70 fires now buring in the East Fire Region, 15 are still not under control. 9000 recorded lightning strikes from Wawa to Sudbury and north to Timmins last night will likely create new starts for Tuesday. Dry conditions will continue.

Here is the latest release on Wawa 18:

WAWA, ON - Wawa fire #18 is located approximately 30 km east of the town of Hawk Junction and 8 km east of the Potholes Conservation Reserve. The fire was reported Thursday, May 27, and has grown to an estimated 2300 hectares approximately 40 kilometres east of Wawa near the junction of Highway 101 and 651. Highway 101 is open and OntarioProvincialPolice are monitoring the situation. There are no evacuation orders planned at this time.

A Type-1 Incident Management Team has been assigned to this fire and is currently setting up a base camp at the Weyerhaeuser Mill location on Hwy. 101. MNR's priority is to suppress the fire,
maintain safety procedures and enable Hydro One power line crews to complete the repair of damaged transmission lines and restore power to the town of Chapleau. MNR is providing fire engine support and emergency medical support to Hydro One for their efforts if required.

There are currently nine Initial Attack crews and four Type 2 crews assigned to this fire. In addition, six helicopters have been assigned and air tanker support is continuing. Heavy equipment is being used to consolidate perimeter guards around the fire to restrict
fire growth.

Recent precipitation has provided some relief and will allow good progress on line consolidation around the fire. Crews will have opportunity to action hot spots.

An Emergency Area Order has been implemented as of 8 a.m. Saturday, May 29, 2010, and will remain in effect until conditions improve. An Emergency Area Order is used when a forest fire situation warrants the use of special measures to ensure public safety, help with an evacuation and to ensure effective forest fire management.

Under the Emergency Area Order, the MNR is prohibiting all travel and use of the following roads for the purposes of public safety and/or effectual fire suppression: Much Lake Road within the EAO area starting 1 km south of Provincial Hwy. 101; Ripple Lake Road; Shakashi Road; Bluff Lake Road; Jackpine River Road; and Jackpine Road.

A Restricted Fire Zone continues to be in effect in northeastern Ontario. Residents and travellers through the region are reminded that all burning permits are suspended and all open air burning, including campfires, is prohibited. Conservation Officers are patrolling recreation areas and will be strictly enforcing the Restricted Fire Zone.

To report a forest fire, please call 310-FIRE (3473). For more information on Wawa fire #18, contact the Wawa District office at 1-705-856-2396
Annemarie Piscopo Fire Information Officer Wawa Fire Management Headquarters (705) 856-2396 ext. 2224

Please follow the link included to view photos and video of Wawa 18 as well as some fire activity generated by lightning. video and photos will be updated shortly.

Residents are reminded that if found responsible for a forest fire, they can be charged under the Forest Fires Prevention Act and/or be liable for the costs of suppressing the fire. This cost can easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars.

Be FireSmart, visit http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/AFFM/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_165412.html for more information on how to prevent forest fires.

310-FIRE (3473) is the new, toll-free emergency forest fire reporting phone number across northern Ontario. The number will operate north of the French and Mattawa Rivers.

********************