28 new fires reported

Lightning strikes and dry conditions led to several new fires in the Northwest region, but light winds helped limit the flames from spreading too far.

Twenty-eight new fires were reported in the Northwest region throughout the weekend. Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources now reports that there are 102 active forest fires.

So far this fire season there have been 899 fires reported. Those fires have destroyed more than 613,000 hectares of land.

Dry conditions and a long-range forecast that was filled with sun helped create the new reported fires, most of which originated from lightning strikes. 

Many of the new reported fires are in the Red Lake, Sioux Lookout and Kenora areas. 

The MNR is now reminding the public to use caution with any outdoor fires, and to use responsibility to help safely manage their fires.