The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has secured new crews and air support to help fight persistent forest fires in the Red Lake District.
The Municipality of Red Lake says in their update this afternoon that Red Lake Fire 77, 16 and Kenora 51 remain active outside the community but crews are making good progress with hose lines, helicopter and water bomber support.
There is no timeline as to when fire activity may ease as officials say these fires will continue to be active for quite some time.
The Municipality continues to ask residents to stay prepared should an evacuation have to be called.
At last report, Red Lake Fire 77 is mapped at 27,899 hectares in size and remains about 33 kilometres west of Red Lake.
Red Lake Fire 16 is mapped at 165,880 hectares in size and is about 35 kilometres west of Pikangikum.
Kenora 51 is mapped at 197,549 hectares in size and remains 20 kilometres north of Wabaseemong.
Full update can be read below:
Red Lake Forest Fire Update from Mayor Fred Mota – August 6, 2021
Forest Fires RED 077, RED 016 and KEN 051 continue to remain active outside of our community.
Heavy equipment continues to build fire guards in strategic areas, which will assist in the possible prevention of fire spread to the Red Lake areas.
MNRF crews continue to make good progress with hose lines, helicopter and water bomber support.
All of these reported forest fires are not under control and will continue to be active for quite some time.
The MNRF has secured new crews and air support to fight these fires in the Red Lake District.
Smoke and poor visibility will continue to be an issue in the coming days.
Please be mindful of future weather and wind directions, where this could create increased smoke in our communities.
While an evacuation is not an immediate concern , we must remain prepared, as fire activity and weather is always changing.
I am once again thankful for the MNRF, our community partners and our Municipal Volunteer Fire Fighters with their efforts made to date.
The Municipality will provide an update on Tuesday August 10th at 3:00 pm.
If conditions worsen and a potential threat to our community occurs, communication will occur prior to our next update.
Be prepared and stay safe.
Mayor Fred Mota
