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Forest fire grows to nearly 15,000 hectares

Fire hazard is high to extreme in most parts of NW Ontario
Forest Fires 2
(Tbnewswatch file)

DRYDEN, Ont. —  The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says "fire behaviour has increased" following two days of unsettled weather at the site of Ontario's largest current forest fire.

Red Lake Fire # 38 has now burned 14,900 hectares, according to an MNRF news release.

It is located eight kilometres southeast of the First Nations community of North Spirit Lake, but public safety is not threatened at this time.

Firefighters continue to work on the blaze which is listed as "not under control."

It was ignited by lightning on June 16.

Among other notable lightning-caused fires reported by the MNRF:

  • Sioux Lookout Fire # 23, which was discovered on June 20, is not under control, and has burned 132 hectares in an area about 20 kilometres southwest of Weagamow First Nation. Fire rangers are working to contain the fire's spread to the north.
  • Red Lake Fire # 46, which also started on June 20, is being held at 30 hectares near Haven Lake in Woodland Caribou Provincial Park.
  • Sioux Lookout Fire # 26, which began on Saturday, is "being observed" at 1200 hectares about 60 kilometres north of Bearskin Lake First Nation.

The forest fire hazard is moderate in the Thunder Bay area, and high to extreme in most other areas of northwestern Ontario. 




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