With a quiet season in the region so far forest fire crews have moved up to Red Lake as several fires rage there.
An 11,000 hectare 50 kilometres northwest of Red Lake has around 34 firefighters on it, including eight crews and six administrative staff from Thunder Bay, to make sure it stays away from the town and the community of Pikangikum.
“It’s our number one priority right now,” Thunder Bay district sector response officer Evan Evans said of the fire.
The Thunder Bay region is seeing a third less fires than it usually sees at this time of year.
“Presently it’s quiet,” Evans said. “We’ve had lots of rain in the last week or so.”
But he’s quick to point out that wind and sunshine could change the outlook quickly.
As for the fires in Red Lake, Evans credits the work of fire crews and some natural help to keep it away from communities so far.
“We have no communities evacuated or anything like that,” he said. “Mother nature is a big one in that for sure.”
Currently the forest fire risk in the region is low to moderate. Evans said putting out campfires is the best way for the public to help make sure it stays that way.
