The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is reporting a total of 670 forest fires throughout the province as of today.
“Fires have consumed just under 115,886 hectares in total,” stated
Isabelle Chenard, MNRF information officer.
“Looking back at 2017, we had seen only 166 fires on this date, having consumed over 62,975 hectares. Of note, we are now well beyond the 10-year average statistically for the number of fires on this date, and the number of hectares burned: which shows 422 forest fires having burned just over 98,987 hectares.”
A cold front made its way across the Northeast region this afternoon and it is expected to bring scattered and isolated thunderstorms.
“Associated precipitation is expected to also be scattered, isolated and minimal in nature,” the release continued.
“There is a possibility for thunderstorms to be severe in some areas. After the passage of the cold front, dry air will once again make its way across the Northeast, which will cause the fire hazard to rise once again.”
The MNRF is also expecting more support from out-of-province including a 20-person sustained attack crew from Minnesota. The Northwest Territories is sending 1,000 lengths of 1.5” hose to the province of Ontario, while British Columbia will be sending 1,000 lengths of 1.5” hose, 30 power pumps with tool kits, intake hose, 200 fuel containers, 200 backpack pumps and 200 axes.
Two new fires have been reported in the North Bay area including:
- North Bay 97 is located approximately 9 km northwest of River Valley just east of the junction from highways 539A and 805, it covers 0.1 of a hectare and is not under control at this time.
- North Bay 98 is located just west of highway 805, northeast of the Sturgeon River Provincial Park. Aerial fire suppression operations were underway early this afternoon, in the form of CL415 waterbombers and lead birddog aircraft. The fire covers 0.1 of a hectare.
