The fire hazard is high to extreme across the Northeast Region, according to Ontario's Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services, and the forecast up until Friday is for hot and dry weather, accompanied by wind gusts around 20 kilometres per hour — prime conditions for the spread of forest fires.
The Environment Canada forecast for North Bay calls for temperatures to rise to 27C on Monday, 30C on Tuesday, 28C on both Wednesday and Thursday and 29C with a risk of a thunderstorm on Friday.
North Bay and surrounding areas remain at a high forest fire hazard level, while most of northwestern Ontario is at an extreme hazard, and there are pockets of extreme fire hazard to the east and north of the city. So far, there have been no local burning bans.
For a closer look at fire hazard conditions in the area, view the AFFES Interactive Map.
Locally, North Bay 2, a 4.5-hectare forest fire near Bomarc Road and west of Highway 11 north of North Bay that started May 26 is active but under control, as is North Bay 3, a 0.7-hectare fire near Lost Lake, north of Sturgeon Falls and east of Highway 64, that started May 27.
AFFES reminds the public to use caution when performing any outdoor burning. In order to dispose of yard waste and woody debris, you are encouraged to use methods such as composting or using your local landfill. If you must burn, follow Ontario’s outdoor burning regulations.
Fires are to be ignited no earlier than two hours before sunset and extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise. Always have tools/water adequate to contain the fire at the site. Know the rules for safe outdoor burning. Consult the complete set of Outdoor Burning Regulations.
Five new fires were confirmed in the Northeast Region on Sunday.
Timmins 5 was confirmed on the afternoon of May 28, located 15 kilometres east of Highway 144 just south of Mamie Lake. The 2-hectare fire is not under control.
Sudbury 4 was confirmed on the afternoon of May 28, located 1.5 kilometres east of Highway 69, and 0.5 kilometres north of Round Lake. The 1.5-hectare fire is not under control.
Algonquin Park 2 was confirmed on the afternoon of May 28, located on the north shore of Whitefish Lake. The 0.1-hectare fire is not under control.
Parry Sound 5 was confirmed on the afternoon of May 28, located 6 kilometres east of Highway 69 and 3 kilometres south of Cantin Lake. The 0.1 fire is not under control.
Cochrane 1 was confirmed on the afternoon of May 28. The 45-hectare fire is being observed.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry employs up to 800 highly trained professional seasonal FireRangers. In addition, up to 80 contract fire crews (320 firefighters) are available from the private sector when needed throughout the fire season.
To report a wildland fire located north of the French and Mattawa rivers, please dial 310-FIRE. To report a forest fire located south of the French or Mattawa rivers, please dial 911.
