Northwest Region Forest Fire Situation Update
July 19, 2011 – 10pm
Provincial Overview and Emergency Management
MNR and BC Staff unload a helicopter for the next flight to the fireline on Kenora 27. Photo courtesy OMNR by Mitch Miller.
Temperatures were over 30 degrees Celsius and winds were strong and gusting in the Northwest Region on July 19. There were nineteen new fires reported by the evening and several of them are already over 100 hectares in size and showing extreme fire behaviour.]
MNR Restricted Fire Zone as of July 15, 2011
Evacuation Update – current as of 10pm July 19
- 18 First Nations and one incorporated Municipality have declared emergencies across the Northwest Region
- Six First Nations communities have been partially evacuated (Stage 1 – elderly, children & those with respiratory illnesses)
- Four First Nations communities are in the process of totally evacuation –
- Koochchaching,
- Kee-way-win,
- Cat Lake &
- Sandy Lake
When the current evacuations are completed, it is estimated that over 4600 residents of First Nations communities will be evacuated. There is a strong possibility of more evacuations in the next few days. EMO continues to identify potential host communities around Ontario
On July 18, the ministry recommended to the Chief of Keewaywin that a full evacuation was advised, based on the forecast fire growth of fire Red Lake District Fire 82.
The community was completely evacuated and current reports indicate the fire is on the outskirts showing extreme fire behaviour. Currently helicopters with buckets and firefighting crews with values protection equipment are in place fighting the fire in the community. Heavy water bombers had to be pulled off because of poor visibility due to smoke.
Red Lake District Fire Number 58, located southwest of Sandy Lake was also very active on July 19 with smoke visible to the community. The fire had potential to reach within seven kilometres of the community by day’s end.
Sioux Lookout Fires 61 and 64 spread to the northeast towards the community of Cat Lake. They have the potential to get to about 15 kilometres from the community, and continue to generate significant amounts of smoke.
The weather forecast for July 20 is calling for south easterly winds which will result in new smoke concerns for some communities, but may also provide some relief to others. The forecast is also calling for cloud and possible showers, although it remains to be seen whether it will occur.
Groups that are planning remote back country trips in the Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, or Nipigon districts are being encouraged to keep informed of local fire activity, and to ensure that they have adequate communications in the event of an emergency.
Ontario continues to utilize out of province resources, including personnel and aircraft, from British Colombia, Saskatchewan, and Quebec. The Canadian Armed Forces have also coordinated efforts and work with community liaisons to ensure safe, timely evacuations.
Due to the escalated fire situation, some Ministry of Natural Resources offices may be operating with minimal staff, as personnel assist with fire support. Services to some clients may be impacted and the ministry apologizes to the public for any inconvenience this may cause.
