From NetNewsLedger.com - May 28, 2018

Northwest Region

There were two new fires in the Northwest Region by the afternoon of May 28.

Red Lake Fire 33 was discovered near the Manitoba border within the boundaries of Woodland Caribou Provincial Park near Craven Lake. Two crews and an air attack aircraft were dispatched and the fire is currently not under control.

Kenora Fire 51 was a small grass fire, located eight kilometres west of Kenora on Cape Jersey Rd. It has been declared out.

The forest fire hazard rating is high throughout most of the Kenora, Fort Frances, and Dryden Districts. The hazard rating ranges from moderate to low in the Thunder Bay, Nipigon, Sioux Lookout and Red Lake Districts.

The 2018 fire season has seen 195 fires to date (claiming 4,280 hectares), not far off the 10-year average of 200 fires for this point in the season.

Members of the public are reminded that a Restricted Fire Zone remains in effect.

Restricted Fire Zone remains in place for Northwest Region

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF) has declared a Restricted Fire Zone in the Districts of Kenora, Fort Frances, Dryden and the southern portion of the Red Lake, Thunder Bay and Sioux Lookout Districts and along the north shore of Lake Superior in the Nipigon District.

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.

To see a complete list of fires across the province click on our interactive map. You can also get the latest update on the condition of any fire by clicking the fire icon.

Fire numbers and online information:

• Forest Fire Reporting Number –  310-FIRE (3473)
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