48 active forest fires in northern Ontario, 31 in the northeast Sunday
The number of forest fires in northern Ontario continues to grow with a total of 48 active fires in the region, including 33 that are not yet under control. Only two months into the fire season and there have already been more than double the total number in 2022.
As of Sunday morning, there are 31 active forest fires in the northeast and 17 in the northwest.
Of those active fires, 19 in the northeast and 14 in the northwest are not yet under control.
In the last 24 hours, 11 new fires have started in the northeast. Included are two in Algonquin Park District near Pembroke, a 101-hectare (ha) fire in the Chapleau district, 30-ha fire east of Cochrane, a 12-ha fire in the Hearst district, a 0.3-ha fire in the North Bay district, and five new wildfires in the Sudbury district ranging from 0.1 ha to 30 ha.
"Fire ranger resources and aircraft are being deployed to new and existing fires across the province, we’re also utilizing four water bombers from our partners in Minnesota, they are helping us manage the fire situation in the province as well," said Shayne McCool, a fire advisor for the ministry aviation, forest fire and emergency services.
"We have activated our type two-firefighter contracts as well to access additional firefighters on the ground and we are working together with our local fire departments on the ground."
It is proving to be a very busy season as 97 wildfires have already been put out since the first one started in the Parry Sound area April 12. This surpasses the 78 total fires in Ontario's fire region in 2022.
Two of the three biggest fires in northern Ontario are still out of control, while the largest Red Lake 5 is being observed at 12,742.4 ha.
Sioux Lookout 7 has reached 9,285.1 ha and Wawa 3 has reached 6,810.6 ha.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
"Near the Abitibi Lake area, as well as south of Cochrane, and of note, Cochrane 6 is currently listed at 1,000 hectares and not under control," McCool said.
"In addition to the restrictions to the Wawa 3 fire, there are also restrictions associated around the Cochrane 3 fire, anyone travelling south of Cochrane, we do advise them to check our website for a full list of restrictions around that area."
AIR QUALITY ALERT
High levels of air pollution continue in the region due to the forest fire smoke.
A special air quality statement is in effect for Greater Sudbury and vicinity, Elliot Lake and Ranger Lake.
"Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. Everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke," Environment Canada said in a weather alert.
"Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone in your care feel unwell. Contact your health care provider or local health authority if you develop severe symptoms or need advice."
Everyone responds differently to smoke but people with heart or lung disease – such as asthma – are at higher risk of experiencing negative health effects. Older adults, children, pregnant people and those who work outside are also at higher risk.
FIRE BAN
At 12:01 a.m. June 1, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry put the entire region under a restricted fire zone, which bans all open-air burning. The penalty for breaking the ban is a fine of up to $25,000, three months in prison and financial responsibility for any costs incurred in fighting a forest fire.
Many municipalities also have fire bans in place.
With files from video journalist Ashley Bacon.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
BREAKING Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
On federal budget, Macklem says 'fiscal track has not changed significantly'
Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says Canada's fiscal position has 'not changed significantly' following the release of the federal government's budget.