Fire officials with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry say four new forest fires have been confirmed in northeastern Ontario in recent days.
Three of the fires are under control, and one is already out, Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services for the northeast fire region says.
Here are the details from the AFFES update:
- North Bay 17 is a 0.3 hectare fire located on an island on Cross Lake. It was confirmed on Oct. 4 and is under control. One Fire Ranger crew is dedicated to the fire.
- Sudbury 48, a 0.6 hectare fire next to Rock Lake, 200 metres east of Hwy 637. It was confirmed on Oct. 4 and is under control.
- Hearst 22, a 0.5 hectare fire half a kilometre northwest of Fushimi Lake, next to Neely Road. Two Fire Ranger crews and one aircraft are working on the fire. It was confirmed on Oct. 4 and is under control.
- Kirkland Lake 17 was a 0.3 hectare fire next to Watabeag Lake Road, 200 metres north of Stock Lakes. It was confirmed on Oct. 4 and called out the same day.
Officials said there are currently 30 active wildland fires in Ontario's northeast fire region as of Thursday afternoon. Of these, six are under control, and 24 are being observed.
The AFFES was urging the public use caution when performing any outdoor burning as we move into fall.
"In order to dispose of yard waste and woody debris, we encourage you to use methods such as composting or using your local landfill. If you must burn, follow Ontario’s Outdoor Burning Regulations," officials said.
For tips on safe burning practices you can also visit How to burn grass and woody debris safely | ontario.ca.
According to the AFFES, the fire hazard for the northeast varies between low to moderate with an area with a high hazard around Bancroft and Renfrew. The Far North is under a low fire hazard.
For a closer look at fire hazard conditions, view this interactive map.