The number of active forest fires is down, and no new fires were confirmed in the northeast region yesterday.
As of last night, according to Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) there were 45 active fires in the region. Of those, 15 are not under control, while 30 are being held, under control or being observed.
Here’s an update on some of the fires from the AFFES:
River Valley Fire Cluster
This cluster includes two fires; North Bay 62 and North Bay 42. Both fires are being held. We are monitoring North Bay 25 to the west of the cluster, which is now under control.
There are 154 people working on these fires including firefighters from Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and Mexico.
Crews took advantage of the cooler, dry day to make solid progress on all fires. On North Bay 42, crews continued to secure the perimeter on the north side as well as working on hot spots on the west side. For North Bay 62, crews continued to work the perimeter of the fire while some crews began to recover equipment from the fire.
Crews completed removal of sprinkler protection from all structures.
Lady Evelyn Fire Cluster
North Bay 72 remains at 27,579 hectares and is listed as not under control. However, the overcast skies and wet weather of late has allowed firefighters to consolidate hose lines along the perimeter. While there is much work still to be done, progress is being made daily.
Front line staff continue to work with heavy equipment operators to establish dozer guards in areas where this type of suppression is suitable. This goes a long way to secure the perimeter of the fire.
The Incident Management Team continues to observe North Bay 18, 19, 46, 59 and 61. While these fires have been quiet, they are not considered out.
Currently there are 10 helicopters assigned to this cluster.
Transitioning of staff is ongoing as personnel depart for their home locations and new staff arrive. Crews arrived from northwestern Ontario today and more are expected from Saskatchewan tomorrow.
We continue to have firefighters from British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Northwest Territories and Mexico work on this cluster.
Parry Sound 33
Parry Sound 33 is currently estimated at 6,760 hectares and is still listed as not under control.
There was minimal growth on the north, the west and the south end of the fire yesterday.
The implementation order and all access restrictions, including water access restrictions, remain in place.
The southwest winds are expected to continue today, possibly gusting to 30 – 40 km/h.
There is minimal precipitation in the forecast.
Crews continue to make excellent progress around the southwest side of the perimeter, laying hose and working hotspots north and south of Key Harbour.
Yesterday’s focus was on the north and east flank of the fire, which were once again active due to sustained southern and southwesterly winds.
The fire did put on some growth along the east flank, with one area of the fire crossing both Tower Lake and impacting the CN rail in one location.
Continued growth is expected on the northeast flank tomorrow.
Waterbombers and helicopters worked most of the day halting or slowing fire spread.
Values protection (sprinklers) continued to be placed along the Pickerel River, and began in Henvey Inlet as a precautionary measure.
In the interest of public safety, on July 21, 2018 the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF)’s Parry Sound district recommended that the communities, municipalities and townships within the area below impose a mandatory evacuation of their residents with boat access only:
All areas ranging from the western and northern borders of French River Provincial Park, east to Highway 69, and as far south as the south shore of the Key River; including all residents and members of the public on both the north and south shores of the French River, and the Pickerel River, as well as Hartley Bay.
There is also a recommendation by the MNRF Parry Sound district to impose an evacuation alert to all residents within this area who have road access to their residences or cottages. These residents should be prepared to evacuate pending a change in the fire situation.
In addition, the MNRF’s Sudbury district has recommended that all residents along Hartley Bay Road be placed on an evacuation alert, pending changes to the fire situation.
Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) has also been advised by Ontario Parks that the French River Provincial Park is fully closed west of Highway 69/400. All campers have been or are being evacuated. Ontario Parks has also suspended permit sales for the French River Delta and Pickerel River areas and are restricting entry to park users (everything west of Highway 69/400).
Henvey Inlet First Nation declared a state of emergency as a precautionary measure. As of July 22 the community has successfully and safely evacuated all of its community members, who are receiving accommodations and food.