THUNDER BAY – The Northwest region’s forest fire count in 2021 is well above the 10-year average.
But according to Jonathan Scott, an information officer with Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services, the amount of land affected is close to that same 10-year average.
Scott on Tuesday said there have been 515 forest fires detected to date this year, compared to 348 over the past 10 years. A total of 91,767 hectares have burned, slightly below the average of 94,176 over the past decade.
“Each fire season is highly variable and is based on actual weather,” Scott said.
Hot weather that settled over Northwestern Ontario last week, combined with a drier-than-usual winter, ripened forest fire conditions in 2021. Lightning strikes and a lack of rain accompanying them accelerated it.
“Across Northwestern Ontario the hazard is predominantly high,” Scott said.
According to AFFES’ daily report, there are 77 active fires in the Northwest, with 16 new fires discovered on Monday, 13 of which are in the Red Lake area.
Ten more fires were reported on Tuesday, with 28 considered not under control, one being held, 25 being observed and 23 under control.
Fires of note include Kenora 51, which has been remapped to more than 28,000 hectares and Fort Frances 47, which is at 407 hectares.
Restricted fire zones remain in place in Kenora, Fort Frances and Dryden districts, as well as the southern sections of Sioux Lookout and Red Lake districts. As a result, outdoor fires are banned until further notice. Certain travel restrictions remain in place as a result of Fort Frances 47, including all travel on Northwest Bay Road outside of Naicatchewenin First Nation.
There are no fire bans currently in place in Thunder Bay District, but Scott urged the public to use caution if they must have a fire and avoid lighting one if possible.
