Two new fires sparked

From the MNRF

Two new fires were confirmed in the Northwest Region by yesterday afternoon.
Red Lake Fire #31, located near Borel Lake, was listed as “not under control” at 3.8 hectares in size.
Kenora Fire #47, located south of Esther Lake, also was listed as “not under control” at 0.1 ha.
The fire of note in the region is Red Lake Fire #30, located in the far north of Red Lake District near the Manitoba border.
It is roughly 70 km west of Poplar Hill First Nation.
The blaze entered Ontario from Manitoba on May 22 and is 1,600 hectares in size on the Ontario side of the fire.
Crews have established sprinkler protection on structures in the area, and are developing plans to use aerial ignition to bring the fire to natural boundaries.
The forest fire hazard is “high” across most of the Northwest Region, with an area of “extreme” hazard in Red Lake District.
As such, a Restricted Fire Zone remains in effect in the Districts of Fort Frances, Kenora, Dryden, and the southern portion of the Red Lake, Thunder Bay and Sioux Lookout districts, as well as along the north shore of Lake Superior in Nipigon District.
During a Restricted Fire Zone, the use of open fires–such as campfires, or the burning of brush or debris–is restricted.
Failure to comply could result in fines of up to $25,000 and three months in jail, as well as financial responsibility for the costs incurred in fighting a forest fire.
Portable gas or propane stoves are permitted for use for cooking or warmth, although they should be closely monitored.
Portable charcoal barbecues and Hibachis are not permitted unless within 100 metres of a dwelling or within an organized campground.
Commercial campground operators may allow their guests to enjoy campfires during a Restricted Fire Zone period provided they meet certain conditions.
The Restricted Fire Zone is a temporary measure to reduce the number of new human-caused wildfires.
In related news, smoke drift from large fires in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and northern Minnesota may be visible along the U.S. and Manitoba border areas.
Concentrations will be “moderate to high” in communities close to these fires, and will be noticeable at ground levels.
To see a complete list of fires across the province, click on our interactive map.
You also can get the latest update on the condition of any fire by clicking the fire icon.
To report a fire, call 310-FIRE (3473).