Warm and mostly dry weather has pushed the forest fire hazard across the Northwest region back into the extreme range in most areas, and into the high range in others.
The restricted fire zone that was declared at the beginning of the month across Northern Ontario remains in effect.
So far, Thunder Bay has received only 5 mm of rain in June, when the long-term average for the whole month is 85 mm.
Currently, Environment Canada’s extended forecasts show the recent weather pattern will continue for at least the next week, with temperatures rising to 30 C or more by Sunday across a broad swath of the region between Red Lake and Geraldton.
As of Tuesday morning, there were 40 active fires in the Northwest, four more than on Monday.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry said 15 of these fires are not under control, four are being held, five are under control and 16 are under observation.
Of the six new fires discovered Monday, the largest was an eight-hectare blaze near Webster Lake in Wabakimi Provincial Park.
A ministry spokesperson in Dryden said Tuesday that aircraft based in the Northwest were temporarily relocated to fight fires in Northeastern Ontario, but they are now starting to return.
Chris Marchand said Minnesota has been providing assistance to keep on top of smaller fires that crop up daily.
The state offered three smaller Fire Boss waterbombing aircraft for deployment with MNRF initial attack crews.
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