Northeast Fire Region UPDATE (incl.new photos KL8 site)

Written by Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources on 30 May 2012

Northeast Region – As of May 29, 7pm

Recent rainfall and lighter winds has helped lower the fire hazard in the northeastregion. The weather will support fire suppression efforts again today as crews continue the large task of establishing a boundary line around Timmins 9 fire. The other big fire in the area, Kirkland 8 is now “being held” and is not expected to spreading beyond existing boundaries. Fire crews continue to suppress hot spots and mop up within the Kirkland 8 fire perimeter.

The fire hazard in the Northeast may rise quickly again by the end of the week as more seasonal conditions of warm, drier weather is expected to return in the area. The restricted fire zone remains in place in the Northeast region to reduce the chance of additional wildfires starting. No outdoor fires are allowed for any purpose.

Across the Northeast Region Tuesday May 29th, fire suppression efforts continued on existing fires, as well as initial attack on 2 new fires.

Timmins 9 is currently 39518 has in size. Hose lines are being established on the fire, and heavy equipment is working the perimeter. Some precipitation was received on the fire today, which aided in efforts. The fire is still listed as Not Under Control.

KIRKLAND LAKE

Photos courtesy MNR

Fire Ranger at KL8. Photos courtesy MNR

Kirkland Lake 8 and 13 are now called Kirkland Lake Complex. An Incident Management Team is assigned to both of these fires.

Kirkland Lake 8 is currently 2326 hectares in size and has just been classed as Under Control! A combination of aggressive suppression by ground crews and recent rainfall amounts resulted in fewer problem ares detected in infra-red scanning. FireRangers will continue to be staggered along the eastern flank of the fire to lay more hose and work hotspots in the area.

Kirkland Lake 13 is currently 696 ha in size located between area of Twitchgrass Lake and Hilda Lake, west of Hwy. 65. The fire is not threatening either community of Elk Lake or Matachewan, and possesses minimal risk to highways and hydro infrastructure in the area. Crews have worked hard to consolidate line nad have tied in about 50% of the fire using heavy equipment and ground crews. An infra-red scan is scheduled for tomorrow morning.

Logistics ar KL Airport. Photos courtesy MNR

Photos courtesy MNR

Cochrane 10 is 159 ha and is Being Held with line consolidating and crews patrolling continuing.

Hearst 9 is confirmed as 970 has. With precipitation received and resources working on the fire, progression continues.

All other fires in the district are being actioned by FireRanger crews and the support of Air Attack.

There are 25 active fires in the region with 48106.6 has burned to date.

IMPORTANT PHONE #s

Evacuation/road closures, Kirkland Lake Municipal Office 705-567-9365 X221
For information regarding Kirkland Lake 8 and 13 please call: 705-567-9291 x 3024
Smoke and health related questions: Telehealth Ontario 1-866-797-0000
MTO Highway Closure Number: 1-800-268-4686, option 2 or dial 511
For Timmins District Fire / Timmins Fire Information Officer information: (705) 235-1372
The City of Timmins Forest Fire Information Line: 705-360-8720

FIRE HAZARD – A Restricted Fire Zone is currently in effect for the Northeast Fire Region, north of the French River including French River Provincial Park. The restricted fire zone includes the MNR districts of Sudbury, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, Kirkland Lake, Hearst, Chapleau, Wawa, Cochrane and Manitoulin Island. No open burning, including campfires is permitted within the boundaries of a restricted fire zone. Portable heaters or propane stoves may be used for cooking and warmth but must be handled with extreme caution. All burning permits are suspended.