This is the latest update from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry on the Northeast’s forest fires, provided late last night (Tuesday):

By the evening of July 24 there were 55 active forest fires across the northeast. Of these, 17 are not yet under control, 38 are either being held, under control or being observed.

Lady Evelyn Fire Cluster:

The fire remains at 27,579 hectares. 253 firefighters and support staff, 11 helicopters are assigned to this cluster. All resources were assigned to North Bay 72 today.

The team continues to observe North Bay 59 and has assumed the responsibility for North Bay fires 18, 19, 46, 59 and 61.

Temagami Fire Cluster:

There are 45 firefighters, with six helicopters working on fires in the Temagami cluster.

Due to the rain received in the area, fire activity was reduced greatly on all fires within the Temagami Cluster. These conditions made for another great working day for firefighters, as they are able to get into hotspot areas safely.

River Valley Fire Cluster

This cluster includes two fires: North Bay 62 and North Bay 42.  Both fires are now being held.  We are monitoring North Bay 25.

There are 138 people working on these fires including firefighters from Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and Mexico.

Fire behavior was relatively quiet today due to the rain, increased cloud cover and higher humidity levels. Fires received about 50 mm of precipitation over the past 48 hours.