Latest forest fire update for Northeast Region

MNR News Release

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Smoke

Several large wildfires are still burning in northern Quebec. Depending on wind and weather patterns, smoke from fires in Quebec may enter northeastern Ontario.

If, however, you see a large column of dark-coloured smoke and/or open flame, please call 310-FIRE (3473) north of the French and Mattawa Rivers. In southern Ontario, call 911.


New Fires

A total of three new fires occurred in the Northeast Region on Sunday July 7. Cochrane 19 is a 50 hectare fire located approximately 60 kilometres southwest of the Victor Mine site in Cochrane. This fire was ignited by a lightning strike and is being kept under observation. The other two new fires on Sunday were Parry Sound 19 and North Bay 5. Both were 0.1 hectare human-caused fires that have since been extinguished.



As of 4:00 p.m. on Monday July 8, two new fires had been confirmed in the region. Cochrane 20 and Cochrane 21 are both lightning-caused fires that are 0.6 and 0.1 hectares in size respectively.


Active Fires

There are now 14 active fires in the region. By district, there are ten (10) fires in Cochrane, two (2) in Hearst, one (1) in Sault Ste. Marie and one (1) in Wawa. No issues are expected with any of the on-going fires.

Fire Hazard

The fire hazard has begun to moderate as a low pressure weather system takes hold across much of the region. With rain and cloud forecast, fire activity is anticipated to remain light for the next several days. However, with thunderstorms possible, new holdover lightning fires could appear when drier conditions return.


Be FireSmart!

Did you know? About 200,000 hectares of forest are burned each year and forest fires can cost millions of dollars to put out. Often, unattended campfires are the cause.

If you're going camping and plan to have a campfire, please ensure you build a safe campfire. Keep your campfire small, have water nearby and never leave it unattended. Once you are finished, make sure your campfire is completely extinguished.

Under the Forest Fires Prevention Act (FFPA), if you start a wildfire, you could be held liable for the costs of suppressing the fire.

For tips on how to Be FireSmart and ensure your campfire is safe, visit www.ontario.ca/fireprevention.

For more information about the current fire situation, visit www.ontario.ca/forestfire.

Report forest fires north of the French and Mattawa rivers by calling 310-FIRE (3473). In southern regions, forest fires can be reported by calling your local fire department.

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