Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services reported 45 active wildland fires in the Northeast Fire Region as of 7 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Aug. 2.
Two new fires were confirmed during the day, including one near Lady Evelyn Lake that remained not under control. A 700-hectare fire in the Cochrane sector also continued to be monitored.
The Northeast Region report is relevant across Northern Ontario because firefighting aircraft, crews and other resources can be reassigned between regions as conditions change.
Two New Wildfires Confirmed
Sudbury 45 was confirmed on the eastern shore of Lake Huron on Manitoulin Island, about five kilometres east of South Baymouth.
The fire was estimated at 0.1 hectares and has been declared out.
North Bay 35 was located about seven kilometres west of Lady Evelyn Lake and seven kilometres north of Diamond Lake.
The 0.1-hectare fire was listed as not under control at the time of the report.
Cochrane Fire Reaches 700 Hectares
Cochrane 49, which was confirmed on Saturday, Aug. 1, was estimated at 700 hectares.
The fire is located about 14 kilometres south of the Albany River and 22 kilometres southwest of Norran Island.
Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services said observation flights were conducted Sunday and fire behaviour continued to be monitored.
The fire remained under observation.
45 Fires Active Across Northeast Region
Of the 45 active wildland fires in the Northeast Region:
- Two were not under control;
- Two were being held;
- Seven were under control; and
- 34 were being observed.
Fire conditions can change quickly based on temperature, wind, humidity and rainfall. Residents and travellers should check Ontario’s interactive fire map for the latest fire locations and regional danger ratings.
The provincial fire danger map is updated throughout the day using information collected from more than 130 weather stations across Ontario’s fire regions.
Stay Clear of Waterbombers
Boaters are being reminded to move close to shore when waterbombers approach a lake or river.
Waterbombers will not scoop water when boats or other watercraft create a safety hazard. Keeping the waterway clear allows aircraft crews to complete their operations safely and return quickly to wildfire suppression duties.
Outdoor Burning Rules Remain in Effect
Ontario’s legislated fire season runs from April 1 to Oct. 31.
Residents are encouraged to compost yard waste or use local landfill services rather than burning brush and woody debris.
When burning is permitted, fires must be started no sooner than two hours before sunset and fully extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise.
Anyone conducting an outdoor burn must have enough water and equipment available to control and extinguish the fire.
People living within municipal boundaries must also contact their local fire department to confirm whether permits, fire bans or additional restrictions are in effect.
How to Report a Wildland Fire
To report a wildland fire north of the French and Mattawa rivers, call 310-FIRE, or 310-3473.
To report a wildland fire south of the French or Mattawa rivers, call 911.