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Very Quiet Forest Fire Season So Far

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A late spring has spelled a much quieter forest fire season in the Northwest Region.

There have been 31 blazes since April 1st with the provincial total standing at 144.

The flames have burned less than 20 hectares, which is good news according to Acting Information Officer Véronique Filion.

“We had zero fires until April 28th,” Filion mentioned to Acadia News. “We also had long-lasting snow cover and a good amount of rainfall. Every other day there’s a lot of rain so cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity haven’t really allowed us for any lasting rebound to the fire hazard or the possibility to have lightning fires.”

Filion added that 844 fires were reported in 2021, with the 10-year average sitting at 491.

That calculates to a 72 per cent decrease from the historical average.

As of Tuesday there are six active fires, with three not under control.

The wildland fire hazard is mainly low to moderate throughout the region. Some areas of Nipigon, Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay are seeing high fire hazard.

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MNR Lends Fire Fighting Help To Manitoba

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All the rain locally means the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services can lend some help elsewhere.

Ontario is sending sixty fire ranger crews, and six fire management personnel to Manitoba.

There are several wildfires burning out of control in the northwestern part of that province.

The forest fires are threatening a couple of communities and have resulted in numerous evacuation.

There are current 56 active forest fires in Manitoba and seven a listed as out of control.

(File photo)

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Wabaseemoong On Standby For Evacuation

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The Wabaseemoong First Nation is on standby for evacuation because of a wildfire.

Kenora Fire #51 is now listed at over 171 thousand hectares in size.

The chief of the First Nation, Waylon Scott says fire could jump the lake by Tuesday.

The MNRF Says the blaze is about 20 kilometres north of the community and smoke from the forest fire is flowing into Kenora and the surrounding areas.

Chief Scott says they will have 12 to 24 hours for a grace period to fully evacuate the community.

There are four new fires in the region today and 110 active forest fires.

The MNRF says it’s continuing to fight Kenora Fire #51…

  • Helicopters with buckets and water bombing airplanes are being used to slow the fire.
  • Ignition crews are ready to bring the fire to natural boundaries when the weather is favorable and bulldozer lines may be used to further access and contain the fire.
  • Fire guard has been completed on south end.
  • Crews working to protect community values and critical infrastructure.
  • An Incident Management Team is established on the fire.