Three new fires reported

Three new fires were reported in the district yesterday.
Fort Frances Fire #23 was located at Kagaki Lake but is now “out” while Fort Frances Fire #24 is a 0.1-ha. blaze “being held” near Reeves Lake, far north of Fort Frances.

Fort Frances Fire #25, located south of Clearwater West Lake northwest of Atikokan, was listed as “not under control” at 0.1 ha in size.
There have been 25 forest fires in the district since April 1, charring 36.1 ha in total.
Other new fires still active as of this morning include one in each of the districts of Dryden, Red Lake, and Sioux Lookout.
Meanwhile, FireRangers across the Northwest Region are on alert for a predicted increase in new forest fires as the result of lightning.
Thunderstorms tracked through the region recently and the lightning locator system recorded heavy cloud-to-ground strikes.
Higher humidity levels have kept the number of new fires down somewhat. But with
extended hot, dry weather in the forecast, it is predicted a number of blazes will flare up from these lightning strikes.
Human-caused fires also are a concern in these conditions. The forest fire hazard is “high” through most sectors of the region, with some “moderate” pockets.
The hazard is expected to rise into the “high” and even “extreme” level in the coming days. This sets the scene for human-caused wildfires as any source of ignition can spread.
People are reminded that they must attend campfires at all times and put them dead out before leaving.
Any brush or grass fires must wait until the evening hours before being lit.
To report a forest fire, call 310-FIRE (3473).