RED LAKE, Ont. --- Residents in some regional communities are being cautioned about the potential of excess smoke in the air because of nearby forest fires.
The Northwestern Health Unit on Saturday issued an air quality alert for people living in the Red Lake an Ear Falls area. According to Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services, there are 24 active forest fires in the region, including four considered not under control. The forest fire hazard is considered high to extreme in the Red Lake and Kenora sectors. Moderate conditions are in place in Dryden, Thunder Bay, Fort Frances, Sioux Lookout and Nipigon districts.
"Forest fire smoke is made up of a mixture of gases and very small particles that can be harmful to your health. Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation headaches or shortness of breath," reads a release from the NWHU, who also remind the public to reduce the amount of time they are exposed to forest fire smoke.
"Individuals most at risk of harm include children, elderly, pregnant women, people with heart or lung conditions, or persons with active and/or physical jobs."
There were three new forest fires discovered in the Northwest on Friday. Sioux Lookout 19, near Kezik Lake, is under control and just 0.1 hectares. Fort Frances 47 is not under control. The 0.1 hectare fire is located near Lower Manitou Lake, 60 kilometres north of Fort Frances. Sioux Lookout 20 is 1.5 hectares in sized and also deemed not under control. It's located west of Cat Lake First Nation.
The area's two most concerning forest fires are Sioux Lookout 17, which has grown to more than 1,000 hectares and Fort Frances 49, which is now 437 hectares. As a result, some travel restrictions are in place in parts of the Fort Frances district.
