Northeast region forest fire update

Sue Nielsen

Speaker Reporter

DISTRICT — Hot, dry and humid conditions have created the perfect scenario for forest fires in the Northeast region of Ontario, which includes South Temiskaming.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) say the North Bay 32 fire, located 12.5 kilometers west of Latchford, measuring 59 hectares is currently listed as not under control.

MNRF crews are on the site of the fire battling the blaze and working to establish a perimeter around the fire.

Motorists are being advised to proceed with caution and drive slowly when approaching areas near the forest fire as visibility may be reduced.

Because of recent rainfalls experienced in some parts of the Northeast region, the MNRF are now reporting the forest fire hazard is low to high.

MNRF also advises that water bombers to suppress wildfires are using area waterways. When Cl-415waterbombers approach a lake, people in watercrafts are asked to move to shore so the waterbombers can perform their scoop.

Waterbombers often perform several scoops when fighting a forest fire

MUNICIPAL FIRE BANS

On Thursday, August 4, 2016, the municipalities of Latchford, Coleman Township, Cobalt and the City of Temiskaming Shores all issued fire bans with no open air burning until the extreme high fire hazard improves. For complete details on the fire ban contact your municipal office.

As of Monday, August 10, those municipal fire bans remain in place.

To report a forest fire call 310-FIRE (3473).