Thunder, lightning this week mixed blessing for forest firefighters
PARRY SOUND — Forecasts for thunder showers and lightning the next few days could a mixed blessing in Ontario’s ongoing forest fire battles, including Parry Sound 33.
Provincial efforts to contain the 8,224 hectare (8,000 football fields) still “not under control” Parry Sound 33 blaze continue.
The rain could help suppress the dozens of fires, but the threat of lightning could spark new fires in different locations.
Water bombers have been working for more than a week, since the blaze began.
At the Muskoka Airport a number of large firefighting planes have been taking on fuel and helping fight the fire, an official there said Monday.
Two large CL 415s and two twin Otters have been in and out over the weekend.
And they are on standby for use as needed. One took off at 10 a.m. Monday morning.
The Ministry of Natural Resources Foresty says that by last evening (July 29) there were 39 active forest fires across the northeast. Of these, 14 are not yet under control, 25 are either being held, under control or being observed.
Two new fires were discovered today, two fires were also extinguished.
Here is their latest update on firesburning or under control in their northeast region:
Parry Sound 33
Between Henvey Inlet First Nation and Key Harbour, approximately six kilometres west of highway 69 and less than one kilometre south of the Pickerel River.
8224 hectares
Not under control
Due to winds, the northeast side of the fire was the most active today. Winds from the west/southwest may possibly bring more smoke into surrounding communities and along highway 69.
Northern areas of the fire held up well today west of Key Junction, however parts of the northeast south of Key Junction were quite active, but haven’t crossed the rail line.
Building and infrastructure protection was completed in Henvey Inlet. Protection for Key River and Grundy Lake begins tomorrow.
Crews worked on the southeast portion to hold the perimeter and complete water hose lines.
Water bomber and water bucketing efforts on the east flank today.
River Valley Fire Cluster
Includes North Bay 25, 42 and 62.
North Bay 25
In Sturgeon River Provincial Park
176 hectares
Being held
North Bay 42
North of Red Cedar Lake
350 hectares
Being held
North Bay 62
Southwest of Hand Lake
2,500 hectares
Under Control
129 people working including fire fighters from Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and Mexico.
Lady Evelyn Fire Cluster
North Bay 72
Approximately 30 kilometers west of Temiskaming Shores
Remapped at 27,275 hectares – a decrease of 304 hectares
Not under control
May become more active over the next few days as the areas starts to dry out from recent precipitaion.
Another group of Mexican firefighters has arrived at this fire and will be placed on the fireline in the morning.
Pembroke Fire Cluster
Includes Pembroke 5, 7 and 7, and Algonquin Park 11.
Pembroke 5
37.5 hectares
Being held
Pembroke 7
72.5 hectares
Being held
Pembroke 6
697 hectares
Not under control
No growth was observed today
Algonquin Park 11
34.2 hectares
Being held
Crews continue to make good progress on all fires.
For updates on highway conditions, including closures, please call 511.
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 calls related travel restrictions or to the recommendation of these evacuations and alerts, call 705-773-4218.
For Sudbury District information, including calls related to travel restrictions or to the recommendation of evacuation alerts, call 705-564-7963.
