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Forest fire evacuation taking place near Parry Sound

At this time, the MNRF is considering the evacuation a precaution
BayToday Staff
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North Bay 72 July 11, 2018. Photo provided

The fire that created a smoke concern in North Bay last night is becoming an even bigger problem in the Parry Sound district.  

The OPP and the Ministry of Natural Resources have asked residents in the Key Harbour are near Henvey Inlet to evacuate their homes, impacting more than 50 homes.  

“The MNRF has recommended the implementation of this mandatory evacuation by the community of Key Harbour on the south side of the Key River, and by the municipality of Killarney for residents north of the Key River - located South of the French River Provincial Park,” the OPP stated in a mid-afternoon release. 

Isabelle Chenard, Forest Fire Information officer for the MNRF Northeast Region says this blaze was initially discovered on Wednesday. 

“Since then, the fire has received a significant amount of aerial fire suppression over the last 2 days, with CL415 waterbombers overhead from early afternoon, well into the evening,” stated Chenard. 

Fire crews have been actively working to suppress this fire and values protection (sprinklers on structures) has been initiated as a precautionary measure and will continue.

At this time, the MNRF is considering the evacuation a precaution.  

“Due to the current hot, dry and windy conditions in the Key Harbour area which is in proximity to Parry Sound 33, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s Parry Sound District has recommended that the community of Key River impose a mandatory evacuation of the Key Harbour area on the south side of the Key River."