A bit of a spike in forest fires after a couple of quiet days.
There were nine new starts Wednesday.
The Dryden district led the way with 3, while Sioux Lookout, Fort Frances and Nipigon all recorded 2 each.
All are small and pose no threat to people or property.
There are now 118 active fires in the northwest region and 23 are classed as not under control.
All eyes continue to be on Kenora Fire 51, burning about 12 kilometres north of Wabaseemoong First Nation.
The fire is now mapped at 197,549 hectares in size.
Water bombers are being used on the western side of the blaze and helicopters with buckets are attacking hot spots elsewhere.
Ignition crews are bringing the fire to natural boundaries and fire rangers are working to protect property around the blaze.
Efforts are being supported by fire personnel from Alberta, Mexico and Australia.
Other Fires of Note:
Red Lake 65 – of concern to Poplar Hill First Nation
The fire is 19,796 hectares and located 6 kilometres west of the community.
Crews are making good progress on east side of the spot fire.
7 crews in total are committed.
Fire behaviour remains quiet with smoldering and some visible smoke
Crews onsite to monitor the values protection equipment, and to look for opportunities to action any hot spots.
Red Lake 51 – of concern to Deer Lake First Nation
The fire is 52,106 hectares and located approximately 24 kilometres west of the community.
Priorities are focused on protection of Deer Lake.
Crews are working hose lines along the east side of the fire.
Fire behaviour was smoldering some visible smoke and small pockets of interior flaring.
The Community Values Protection Team has completed work on the community and critical infrastructure and is monitoring and maintaining the equipment.
An Incident Management Team has been assigned to oversee this fire.
Community evacuation complete, only essential workers remain.
Sioux Lookout 60 – of concern to Cat Lake First Nation
The fire is 1,487 hectares and located 8 kilometres west of the community.
The fire is being held
The fire displayed limited activity in recent days due to weather conditions.
Community protection efforts are ongoing.
Crews are assigned to the fire. More crews will be arriving soon. Crews are establishing hoselines on the fire.
An Incident Management Team is managing the fire.
Red Lake 77 – Fire of concern to Red Lake
The fire is not under control and has been remapped to 27,899 ha, approximately 33 km west of Red Lake.
Crews continue to establish hose lines working on the north east edge of the fire while Heli-buckets assisted with hot spots.
Fireguard continues to be built east of the fire, heavy equipment is making good progress.
Fire behaviour increased on the west side of RED 77 and showed open flame and single tree torching. Areas in the unburned interior showed open flame and torching.
