DISTRICT (Staff) – The forest fire risk in Northeastern Ontario is judged to be low to moderate.

However, the one wildfire in the region continues to burn within a few kilometres of Gogama.

The status of the fire named Timmins 2, which covers 4,645 hectares west of Gogama, has been upgraded to “being held.”

In its latest update, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry said fire crews continue to identify hot spots along the fire’s perimeter.

The wildfire was spotted around 8:30 p.m. June 6 west of Highway 144.

The ministry has imposed travel restrictions in the region:

“All travel and use of Jack Road from the intersection of Jack Road and Highway 144, westerly to the Ontario Power Generation Mesomekenda Lake Dam, at Mesomekenda Lake is prohibited.

“All use and occupation of Crown Land or within 500 metres of the described closed roads within this area is prohibited.

“If a member of the public believes that access within the restricted travel area is necessary for non-recreational purposes, please call 705-235-1334 to request a travel authorization permit.

“MNRF will review the request for access based on the rationale provided, local fire activity, and the potential fire risk.”