FireRangers and their support from across Canada are making progress with the forest fire concern around the Temagami area and across the Northeast.
“Fires in this area are relatively quiet and crews are making good progress extinguishing fires in tough terrain,” stated Shayne McCool, Fire Information Officer, Northeast Fire Region.
“North Bay 62 is 2 500 hectares and is currently not under control," speaking of a blaze in the River Valley cluster.
"Twelve fire crews are utilizing pump and hose on the north end of the fire constructing fire line. North Bay 42 has 6 fire crews working to contain it. These fires received less the 5 mm of rain but high humidity helped FireRangers make progress."
North Bay 72 has 12 crews working towards the northern section of the fire.
“This fire was supported with helicopter bucketing in order to reduce spread to the north,” stated McCool about the fires near the Lake Evelyn cluster.
“Some rain was recorded in the area but was scattered and variable. Sunday will likely be a more active fire day.”
McCool adds with recent precipitation and favourable weather conditions, many of the smaller fires in the Temagami cluster have been brought to a being held or under control status.
“Fire activity today was reduced and crews continued to make progress,” he stated.
“Two fires were remapped to reflect a more accurate size. Although there has been no growth in recent days, North Bay 69 fire is now listed at 221 hectares and North Bay 55 at 74.6 hectares.”
The MNRF has been advised by the Municipality of Temagami that the Mandatory Evacuation Orders from Temagami Shores, at the south edge of the town of Temagami, to Jessie Lake including Bell Island on Lake Temagami have been downgraded to an Evacuation Alert.
Residents were told on Friday they could return home, however, must remain on alert as they could be asked to leave again.
MNRF officials say they are expecting more out-of-province resources arriving today or Monday.
