DRYDEN, Ont. — Environment Canada predicts showers for much of Northwestern Ontario this week, but weary firefighters shouldn't count on significant relief at this point.
Meteorologist Jeff Coulson said Monday that "the shower activity and maybe thunderstorm activity unfortunately is going to be spotty."
Coulson said Ontario's Aviation, Forest Fires and Emergency Services agency is looking for a widespread, significant rainfall, but "this doesn't look like it's going to be that situation."
He said it is possible that 20 to 30 millimetres of rain could fall quickly in local areas in heavy showers, but generally Environment Canada anticipates precipitation totals much lower than that.
Coulson added that it's likely that thunderstorms will spark new fires in some areas.
The Sunday evening fire summary from AFFES reported two new fires in the Northwest Region on Sunday, and 117 active fires, including 17 not under control.
Restrictions on certain industrial activities remain in place, as does the Restricted Fire Zone which prohibits any opening burning in Northwestern Ontario.
The forest fire hazard is currently low to moderate across most of the region, but high in some areas.
