Lightning sparks fires

Two new lightning-caused fires were reported in the district yesterday.
Fort Frances Fire #21, a 0.1-hectare blaze, was burning “not under control” far north of Fort Frances near Missus Lake.

Fort Frances Fire #22, meanwhile, is 0.5-ha blaze located near Jackfish Lake, north of Devlin.
It also was listed as “not under control” as of this morning.
There currently are 12 active fires in the Northwest Region, covering 201.8 ha in total.
These include one in Dryden District, two in Kenora District, six in Sioux Lookout District, and one in Thunder Bay District.
Lightning has been the main cause of the new fires, although human-caused ones also are being reported.
Thunderstorm activity continues in the region and despite some rainfall, it is expected that more new fires will result from lightning strikes.
There is a range of forest fire hazards in the region. Although it is predominantly “moderate,” a number of areas are still recording a “high” hazard.
Over the next few days, the hazard is forecast to climb into the extreme range in the districts of Thunder Bay and Nipigon, as well as the south end of Sioux Lookout District.
Fire activity and hazards depend on the amount of rainfall that will come through with more storm systems.
The requirements for safe management of outdoor fires can be found at www.ontario.ca/fireprevention
To report a forest fire, call 310-FIRE (3473).