Latest East Fire Region fire update

MNR News Release

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The Ministry of Natural Resources has lifted a Restricted Fire Zone(RFZ) that remained in two zones of north eastern Ontario. The RFZ ends as of Monday June 7 at 1800. The RFZ had been declared for Zones 20 and 21- Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury and North Bay areas - in the East Fire Region on June 4 due to extreme fire hazard conditions at that time.

Campfires will be allowed for cooking and warmth in all areas of northeastern Ontario once the restrictions have been lifted. However, some municipalities may impose their own burning restrictions. (Please note that is the current case for North Bay and area)

If you light a campfire ensure it is tended with extreme care. Keep your campfires small, never leave them unattended and ensure they are completely extinguished before leaving.

The Ministry of Natural Resources extends appreciation to residents and visitors for compliance during this period of escalated fire activity and reminds everyone that forest fire prevention is
everybody's responsibility.

There were no new fires reported on June 6. One new fire has been confirmed for June 7. The fire was reported this morning in the Chapleau district near Biscotasi. It is 0.1 hectares in size and the Helitack crew anticipates no problems with the fire.

The fire hazard is expected to be moderate across the East Fire Region for June 8.

Suppression efforts on Wawa 18 continue and good progress is being made on the fire. As of June 4, the fire is classified as being held. Crews are busy actioning hotspots that have been located using infrared scanning.

An Emergency Area Order remains in effect for the area surrounding Wawa 18. Under the order, MNR is prohibiting travel on the following roads: Ripple Lake Road and Bluff Lake Road.

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.

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