Fire Ban

A Restricted Fire Zone in parts of the region helped reduce the risk of forest fires over the weekend.

There were no new starts reported in the Northwest region by yesterday afternoon.

There are currently four active forest fires and all are either being held or under control.

The fire hazard is high with areas of moderate in the southern portions of the region and low to moderate in the northern portions of the region.

An outdoor fire ban is in place in the Dryden district, the southern portion of Sioux Lookout, the eastern part of Fort Frances, the southern portion of Nipigon and the entire Thunder Bay district.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is reporting four new forest fires Tuesday in the northwest region.

Two were in the Ignace area while two were located on Wabaseemoong First Nation.

All four small fires were declared out and there are no active blazes in the district.

No cause has been given by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

The fire hazard is mainly high in the Dryden, Red Lake, Kenora, Fort Frances and Thunder Bay sectors.

The Sioux Lookout and Nipigon districts feature a mostly moderate hazard.

A reminder a Restricted Fire Zone is in effect until further notice across northwestern Ontario.

The order is in place to ensure public safety and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is reminding the public an outdoor fire ban remains in effect.

Information Officer Jonathan Scott stresses the ground is dry and the hazard is high across much of the district.

Several small grass fires have sparked in recent days prompting the reminder.

One fire is considered active in the northwest.

The small blaze sparked Thursday near Canyon Lake in the Dryden area.

It’s listed as not under control but poses no threat.