Four forest fires remain active in the Northwest region, though officials say most are now under control.
Crews say three fires near Fort Frances are under control, while a fourth located just north of Ignace is being held.
The Ministry of Natural Resources says there is no longer a threat to public safety, and restrictions in the area were lifted on Tuesday.
Still quiet on the forest fire front.
There is one new fire, along the Revell River, about 40 kilometres east of Dryden.
It was reported early last night, but is still listed as not under control.
There is another active fire west of Ogoki Lake, about 80 kilometres northwest of Nakina.
It is under control.
There have been a total of 30 fires this season, half of them in the Kenora, Fort Frances and Dryden fire regions.
Rain continues to lessen the forest fire threat in northwestern Ontario.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry reported just two new fires yesterday.
Both are about 40 kilometres northwest of Nakina.
There are now 137 active forest fires with 43 considered not under control.
Weather is also helping crews battling several large fires that have been threatening Cat Lake, Red Lake, Deer Lake and Poplar Hill.
The Ministry says many of those fires are displaying limited activity due to weather conditions.
The forest fire hazard remains low to moderate in the western portions of the region and high to extreme in the east.
Public travel is now restricted around a fire burning near Naicatchewenin First Nation, northwest of Fort Frances.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has implemented an Implementation Order which restricts access and use of certain roads and Crown lands.
All travel, use and access to the certain areas are prohibited unless authorized by a travel permit issued by the MNRF’s Fort Frances District office.
This includes all travel on Northwest Bay Road outside of Naicatchewenin First Nation, including West Spencer Road, Woody Road, Alex Road, and Kaiarskon South Road.
Charles Road south of the kilometre marker 24 and all area branch roads are also off limits.
The fire continues to be active but continued work by waterbombers have slowed the fire’s intensity.
It’s at 437 hectares and burning away from the community.
Information Officer Chris Marchard says a change in the wind has led to smoke to drift into Naicatchewenin.
Some residents have voluntarily left the community as a precaution.
No injuries were reported following a fire last night at BioPower in Atikokan.
Company officials say it broke out around 7 p.m. in their wood yard near a hydro line.
The flames spread to the forest at the north side of the mill.
The firefighters were eventually able to gain control and snuff out the flames.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry reports about 20 hectares of forest were scorched by the blaze.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says a large forest fire burning 35 kilometres west of Fort Hope First Nation is now being held.
The blaze is still listed at 6,678 hectares in size.
Officials say the fire isn’t expected to spread and the forecast is working in their favour.
Smoke in the area is now at a minimum.
Twenty seven crews and seven helicopters are still assigned to the blaze.
Not much change in an out of control forest fire burning 35 kilometres west of Fort Hope First Nation.
Nipigon Fire 45 remains at 6,678 hectares in size.
Scattered rainfall, cloud cover and high humidity have helped prevent the spread of the blaze and keep smoke to a minimum.
Still the most vulnerable residents remain evacuated.
There are now 23 crews assigned to the fire and more support is expected in the coming days.
Seven helicopters are assisting ground crews.
Wisk Air Helicopters says it’s here to serve communities in Northern Ontario in times of emergency.
The Thunder Bay based company successfully participated in the suppression of Red Lake Fire 49 last week.
The only heavy lift helicopter in the region was able to continuously drop water loads of up to 650 gallons per drop on the fire and the 214 carries were almost double the volume of other helicopters.
It’s estimated the Wisk Air 214B dropped a total of 68,000 gallons of water each of the eight days, which is the equivalent of 300,000 litres a day.
The aircraft was hired by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry specifically because of its large water drop capabilities and was deployed as soon as the fire started.
The helicopter can stay airborne for two hours at a time and was flown for eight-hour flight periods each day fighting the fire.
Wisk Air President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Wiskemann says “We acquired the Bell 214 B-1 because of its ability to deliver massive volumes of water and work closely and safely with fire crews already on the ground. As the operator of one of only three 214’s across Canada, we are pleased to offer this capability to the Ontario Ministry Fire branch.”
Wiskemann adds “It is very rewarding to be able to step up as a company when our communities need us most. We’ve worked in the Northwest for decades and we were able to respond to this fire immediately from our Red Lake base with aircrew and support crew alike.”
The Bell 214 B-1 is known as the “Big Lifter” and is the world’s largest, most powerful single engine helicopter.
A large forest fire continues to burn out of control about 35 kilometres west of Fort Hope First Nation.
The blaze is now at 6,678 hectares in size and has forced the evacuation of the most vulnerable in the remote community.
The fire has received limited rainfall over the past 36 hours as the west side of the blaze has seen 8 to 12 millimetres, with only two to three millimetres on the remainder.
Sixteen fire ranger crews and eight helicopters are working on the fire.
