By the early afternoon of July 16, there are 53 active forest fires across the Northeast, of these, 22 are not yet under control, 31 are either being held, under control or being observed.

Just recently, lightning, which has been causing several new starts in our region, has also started to impact the Northwest region significantly. As a result, resources that have just recently been imported from out-of-province to assist with the fire situation in the Northeast will be used in priority areas throughout the province.

A cold front is making its way across the Northeast region this afternoon and it is expected to bring scattered and isolated thunderstorms. Associated precipitation is expected to also be scattered, isolated and minimal in nature. There is a possibility for thunderstorms to be severe in some areas. After the passage of the cold front, dry air will once again make its way across the Northeast, which will cause the fire hazard to rise once again.

Three new fires have been confirmed in the Northeast region this morning:

  • North Bay 97 is located approximately 9 km northwest of River Valley just east of the junction from highways 539A and 805, it covers 0.1 of a hectare and is not under control at this time.
  • North Bay 98 is located just west of highway 805, northeast of the Sturgeon River Provincial Park. Aerial fire suppression operations were underway early this afternoon, in the form of CL415 waterbombers and lead birddog aircraft. The fire covers 0.1 of a hectare.
  • Kirkland Lake 10 is a 2 hectare fire just northwest of Gem Lake Maple Bedrock Provincial Park, on the northwest side of Gem Lake. It is not yet under control at this time

Temagami Fire Cluster:

Steep rocky terrain has challenged firefighters on North Bay 55, however they continue to consolidate hose along the fire perimeter.

Values protection (sprinklers on structures) that has been installed in some areas around fires North Bay 68, North Bay 69, North Bay 55 and North Bay 56 as a precautionary measure remains in place.

Good progress is being made on many fires in this cluster and it is expected that more fires will be called out in the coming days.