Forest fire burning near Lady Evelyn Lake

Sue Nielsen

Speaker Reporter

DISTRICT — As of August 2, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) say there are 12 new fires burning in the Northeast region of Ontario. Because of the hot, dry conditions we’ve had lately in Northeastern Ontario, forest fires dangers are imminent.

At present, there is a fire burning east of Lady Evelyn Lake called North Bay 32 that the MNRF is currently fighting.

Residents in the Town of Latchford could see smoke from this fire this week but there is no risk to the town from the fire.

The fire is 40 hectares in size and is located 12.5 kilometers west of Latchford in Kittson Township.

Water bombers and three ground crews have been dispatched to disperse the fire.

Information on the Ministry website cautions drivers in the region to drive slowly as fire crews are on the scene and visibility may be reduced due to smoke in the air.

The forest fire hazard is high to extreme across most of the region with the exception of the far north.

Extreme caution is advised when entering the forests and especially concerning campfires.

No restricted fire ban is on at the moment and it is individual municipalities that create fire bans said MNRF Northeast Region Fire Information Officer Isabelle Chenard in a telephone interview.

If people are unsure of a local fire ban contact your local municipal office advises Ms. Chenard.

She said, “No structures are threatened at this time from the North Bay 32 fire.”

She says people in South Temiskaming may see smoke in the air in the coming days from the fire and it is not a reason to panic.

PREVENTION

She encourages anyone heading into the forest to follow safe fire practices such as keeping campfires small, tend to a campfire at all times and drown the fire with water and stir with a stick and douse again before leaving a campfire.

She says people should avoid cleaning up yard debris with fire but instead use composting methods and the local landfill site.

Up to date information on area forest fires can be found on the Ministry interactive fire map, says Ms. Chenard.

For more information on forest fires contact fire information officer Isabelle Chenard at 705-564-6156.