Forest fires prompt boat-access property evacuation order

PARRY SOUND — As of Saturday there were 64 active forest fires across the MNRF’s Northeast region.

Of these, 29 are not yet under control, 35 are either being held, under control or being observed.

And seven of the new fires confirmed today remain active at the time of this update July 21, says the Ministry of Naturual Resources Forestry website.

Nearby here, they say the fire known as “Parry Sound 33” was very active once again Saturday.

Fire crews continued to coordinate fire suppression work with bucketing helicopters and to set-up values protection (sprinklers on structures) in the area. Five CL415 waterbombers worked together with a lead birddog aircraft to drop water on the forest fire.

An Incident Management Team (IMT) will be deployed to this fire in the coming days.

Smoke was noted in many surrounding areas.

In the interest of public safety, the MNRF’s Parry Sound district recommended earlier today 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 anevacuation 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.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Conservation Officers are currently on site helping notify the public of the situation, and facilitating this evacuation.

Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services 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.

For information about the fire situation: 705-564-6165.

For inquiries about French River Provincial Park restrictions: 705-857-1630 ext 224

For Parry Sound District information, including all calls related to the recommendation of these evacuations and alerts, call 705-773-4218.