The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says some rain Tuesday has kept the forest fires in north eastern Ontario “quiet” and officials say it allowed crews to make progress.  

By Tuesday evening in northeastern Ontario, there were 55 active forest fires, 17 of which are not yet under control.

Crews worked Tuesday to establish hose lines north and south of Key Harbour, on the west side of the fire, and north of the Key River.

Firefighters continue 14-day rotations and more help is coming in from elsewhere as well.

Some crews from Mexico are heading out to the Lady Evelyn cluster where over 250 firefighters are currently working.

The MNRF says additional personnel and equipment are expected to arrive in the province in the coming days, including ignition specialists from Parks Canada.

 

Full Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry report in its entirety:

Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services
Forest Fire Situation Update
Northeast Fire Region
July 24, 2018
Time of Report 23:10

Regional Fire Situation - July 24, 2018

By the evening of July 24 there were 55 active forest fires across the northeast. Of these, 17 are not yet under control, 38 are either being held, under control or being observed.

RESTRICTED FIRE ZONE EXPANDED

Restricted fire zone expanded to additional parts of the Northeast fire region (southern region)

Due to the extreme fire hazard, several recent periods of heavy lightning, little precipitation and increased forest fire, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has expanded the Restricted Fire Zone to include some areas located south of the French River.  This expansion of the current Restricted Fire Zone will be in effect as of 12:01 AM on July 24th, and remain in place until further notice.  

  • The expanded Restricted Fire Zone now includes Zones 24, 25, & 26 which would include areas south of the French River, including Parry Sound, from Georgian Bay east to the Quebec border, including Algonquin Provincial Park and from Renfrew north to Mattawa.
  • To date, the current MNRF Restricted Fire Zone covers Zones 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, & 26 and restrictions will remain in place until further notice.  See the fire map for an outline of the zones covered.
  • During a Restricted Fire Zone, the use of open fires – such as campfires, or burning of brush or debris, is restricted. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to $25,000 and three months in jail, as well as financial responsibility for the costs incurred in fighting a forest fire.
  • Portable gas or propane stoves are permitted for use for cooking or warmth, though they should be closely monitored. Portable charcoal BBQs and Hibachis are not permitted unless within 100 metres of a dwelling, or within an organized campground.
  • Commercial campground operators may allow their guests to enjoy campfires during a Restricted Fire Zone period provided they meet certain conditions in the Outdoor Fires Regulation (207/96).

The Restricted Fire Zone is a temporary measure to reduce the number of new human-caused wildfires as the Aviation Forest Fire and Emergency Services branch of the OMNRF expects the elevated forest fire hazard to continue into the foreseeable future.

Parry Sound 33

Parry Sound 33 is a fire that is approximately 5,612 ha in size and is currently listed as not under control. There was no growth today on the fire.

With high humidity and scattered showers, the fire remained quiet today. This allowed ground crews to aggressively establish hose lines south and north of Key Harbour on the west side of the fire and north of the Key River on the east side of the fire. As well, lines were established from the northern tip of the fire around the northeast corner.   

We expect the fire to remain relatively quiet over the next two days; however fire conditions and behaviour can change quickly. Crews continue to monitor weather and fire behaviour closely. Residents will see smoke in the area as crews continue suppression efforts.

Values protection has been put in place in Key Harbour, along parts of the south side of Pickerel River and along a portion of the train tracks to the east of the fire.

A total of 8 helicopters worked the fire today.

We ask that residents remain vigilant and respect the Restricted Fire Zone prohibiting all open fires in areas south of the French River, including Parry Sound, from Georgian Bay east to the Quebec border, including Algonquin Provincial Park and from Renfrew north to Mattawa.

In the interest of public safety, on July 21, 2018 the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF)’s Parry Sound district recommended that the communities, municipalities and townships within the area below impose a mandatory evacuation of their residents with boat access only:

  • All areas ranging from the western and northern borders of French River Provincial Park, east to Highway 69, and as far south as the south shore of the Key River; including all residents and members of the public on both the north and south shores of the French River, and the Pickerel River, as well as Hartley Bay.

There is also a recommendation by the MNRF Parry Sound district to impose an evacuation alert to all residents within this area who have road access to their residences or cottages. These residents should be prepared to evacuate pending a change in the fire situation.

In addition, the MNRF’s Sudbury district has recommended that all residents along Hartley Bay Road be placed on an evacuation alert, pending changes to the fire situation.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Conservation Officers have been on site helping notify the public of the situation, and facilitating this evacuation.

Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) has also been advised by Ontario Parks that the French River Provincial Park is fully closed west of Highway 69/400. All campers have been or are being evacuated. Ontario Parks has also suspended permit sales for the French River Delta and Pickerel River areas and are restricting entry to park users (everything west of Highway 69/400).

Henvey Inlet First Nation declared a state of emergency as a precautionary measure.  As of July 22 the community has successfully and safely evacuated all of its community members, who are receiving accommodation and food.

For information about the fire situation: 705-564-6165

For media inquiries: 705-564-6156

For inquiries about French River Provincial Park restrictions: 705-857-1630 ext 224

For Parry Sound District information, including all calls related to the recommendation of these evacuations and alerts, call 705-773-4218.

For updates on highway conditions, including closures, please call 5-1-1.

Pembroke 5, 6, and 7

No aerial fire suppression was required on these fires today.

Pembroke 5, south of Grant’s Creek, is 37.5 hectares in size. Pembroke 6 and is burning at 697 hectares. Pembroke 7 runs parallel to Highway 17 and was remapped to 45 hectares. The status of these fires is still not under control.

Values protection continues. 

Incident Management Teams

  • Incident Management Teams (IMTs) are in place in the region. They are managing priority fires in three areas:
    • River Valley Cluster
    • Lake Temagami Cluster
    • Lady Evelyn Cluster
  • An IMT is also being assigned to Parry Sound 33 in the coming days.

River Valley Fire Cluster:

This cluster includes two fires; North Bay 62 and North Bay 42.  Both fires are now being held.  We are monitoring North Bay 25.

There are 138 people working on these fires including fire fighters from Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and Mexico. 

Fire behavior was relatively quiet today due to the rain, increased cloud cover and higher humidity levels. Fires received about 50 mm of precipitation over the past 48 hours. 

Temagami Fire Cluster:

  • There are 45 firefighters, with 6 helicopters working on fires in the Temagami cluster.
  • Due to the rain received in the area, fire activity was reduced greatly on all fires within the Temagami Cluster. These conditions made for another great working day for firefighters, as they are able to get into hotspot areas safely.

Lady Evelyn Fire Cluster:

The fire remains at 27,579 hectares. 253 firefighters and support staff, 11 helicopters are assigned to this cluster. All resources were assigned to North Bay 72 today. The team continues to observe North Bay 59 and has assumed the responsibility for North Bay fires 18, 19, 46, 59 and 61.

Resources From Out of Province

  • Ontario is receiving support from across Canada, the United States and Mexico to assist with the fire situation.
    • Alberta is providing personnel, equipment and aircraft.
    • British Columbia is providing personnel and equipment.
    • Newfoundland is providing personnel and equipment.
    • Northwest Territories is providing personnel, equipment and aircraft.
    • Nova Scotia is providing personnel and equipment.
    • Prince Edward Island is providing personnel.
    • Saskatchewan is providing personnel and aircraft.
    • Minnesota, USA, is providing personnel.
    • Wisconsin, USA, is providing personnel.
    • Mexico is providing personnel.
  • Additional personnel and equipment are expected to arrive in the province in the coming days, including ignition specialists from Parks Canada.

Smoke Concerns

  • Many Ontario residents have reported smoke drift in their communities. Smoky conditions are expected to continue as a number of fires remain active throughout the northeast region until weather patterns and fire activity change.
  • AFFES is reminding the public that if they do see flames or smoke, please report it, and stay away from the area in the interest of public safety.
  • If you have questions or concerns about smoke and your health, please contact Tele Health Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

Fire numbers and online information:

  • To report a forest fire located north of the French and Mattawa rivers, please dial 310-FIRE (3473)
  • To report a forest fire located south of the French or Mattawa rivers, please dial 911.
  • Follow us on Twitter: in English @ONForestFires or in French @ONFeuDeForêt
  • For up to date information on current fires in the province or to check the forest fire hazard in your area, visit Ontario.ca/forestfire