**MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND FORESTRY**

NORTHEAST REGION

Regional Fire Situation – July 16, 2018

By the evening of July 16, there are 55 active forest fires across the Northeast, of these, 24 are not yet under control, 31 are either being held, under control or being observed.

The status of North Bay 69, which previously caused the evacuation of twenty homes in the Temagami area last week, has now been updated to ‘Being Held’.

‘Being held’ indicates that with currently committed resources, sufficient suppression action has been taken so that the fire is not likely to spread beyond existent or predetermined control boundaries under prevailing or forecasted conditions.

Overall in the region, fire activity has been relatively quiet over the past couple of days, but it is expected to become more active as this cold front exits the Northeast. The northern sectors of the Northeast region are starting to see an increase in lightning-caused fires where it had previously been quieter (Timmins, Cochrane and Wawa).

CL415 waterbombers along with a birddog aircraft were on the scene of Sudbury 76 early this evening, which is located east of Regional Road 80 between Sudbury and the Valley. Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services assisted the Greater Sudbury Fire Department with a municipal fire. Two crews and aerial fire suppression operations were on the scene, collaborating with municipal firefighters.

Incident Management Teams

Incident Management Teams (IMTs) have mobilized in the region and managing priority fires in 3 areas:

  • River Valley Cluster
  • Lake Temagami Cluster
  • Lady Evelyn Cluster

River Valley Fire Cluster:

Three fires are currently part of the River Valley Fire Cluster, North Bay 45, North Bay 42 and North Bay 62.

This cluster welcomed more fire crews from British Columbia this afternoon, they were briefed upon arrival and are now assigned to the north end of North Bay 62.

Total resources now assigned to this cluster include five helicopters: three mediums, one intermediate and one light, as well as thirteen fire crews plus one 19 person sustained attack crew from British Columbia.

Temagami Fire Cluster:

Steep rocky terrain has challenged firefighters on North Bay 55, however they continue to consolidate hose along the fire perimeter.

North Bay 69 updated to being held.

Good progress is being made on many fires in this cluster and it is expected that more fires will be called out in the coming days.

Lady Evelyn Fire Cluster:

Minimal rain fell in the area of North Bay 72 today, despite rain being recorded in other localised areas of the region. Heavy helicopters worked to bucket water onto the fire again, collaborating with crews on the ground.

There were 16 crews from across the country working to contain North Bay 72 today. Crews from Ontario, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, Alberta and Newfoundland are all supporting firefighting efforts.

Additional fire crews from British Columbia were welcomed to the area today, they were briefed and are assigned to the north end of North Bay 72.

Resources From Out of Province

  • Saskatchewan has provided one 20 person sustained attack crew, two safety officers, one agency representative, one radio operator and an air tanker package.
  • Alberta has supplied fifteen 4 person initial attack fire crews, a 19 person Incident Management Team, 2 agency representatives, 6 division supervisors and 2 information officers. There are also 2 air tanker packages in addition to fire suppression equipment such as pumps and hose.
  • British Columbia has supplied twenty 3 person initial attack crews, two 19 person sustained attack crews and 2 agency representatives.
  • Nova Scotia has supplied five 4 person initial attack crews, one safety officer and one agency representative.
  • Prince Edward Island has supplied a 4 person initial attack crew.
  • Newfoundland has supplied a 4 person initial attack crew.
  • Northwest Territories has supplied five 4 person initial attack crews, one 3 person crew, and an agency representative.
  • Minnesota has supplied one air support group supervisor and a helibase manager trainee.

Additional resources expected in the coming days

  • We are expecting one 20 person sustained attack crew from Minnesota to land in Ontario by end of day today.
  • 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.

SMOKE CONCERNS

  • Many Ontario residents have reported smoke drift in their communities. Smoky conditions are expected to continue when fires are active, until weather patterns 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.

Temagami area information

Last week, the MNRF has been advised by the Municipality of Temagami that the Mandatory Evacuation Orders from Temagami Shores, at the south edge of the town of Temagami, to Jessie Lake including Bell Island on Lake Temagami have been downgraded to an Evacuation Alert. Residents may return home however, must remain on alert as they can be asked to leave again at any time based on the fire situation. Other Evacuation Alerts remain in place.

Travel Restrictions

MNRF issued an Emergency Area Order (EAO) for parts of the North Bay District due to active fires around Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater, Lake Temagami and the North Bay District.

  • Please visit Ontario.ca/forestfire as this information is being updated regularly.
  • For information about these travel restrictions: 705-475-5546
  • For media inquiries contact: 705-564-6146
  • For inquiries by members of the public contact: 705-564-6165
  • For inquiries on highway closures: Call 5-1-1

Restricted Fire Zone declared in Northeast Region
Due to the extreme fire hazard, several recent periods of heavy lightning and the large number of wildfires burning, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has implemented a Restricted Fire Zone in some areas of Northeastern Ontario as outlined on the interactive fire map.

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.

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.

The forest fire hazard is expected to be generally moderate to high across the Northeast tomorrow.