Forest fire burning near Timmins 'being held'

Article content

A 0.3-hectare blaze that began to burn near Timmins just off Hwy. 101 Tuesday afternoon is “being held.”

The forest fire began shortly before 3 p.m.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser.

Forest fire burning near Timmins 'being held' Back to video

Shayne McCool, a fire information officer for Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), told The Daily Press that one crew was working on containing the blaze. The Timmins Fire Department was also previously assisting with the efforts, however, they have since been released.

The cause of the fire is not known at this time, although McCool said he has seen a high to extreme fire hazard in the area which has contributed to the spread of the fires. He added there has likewise been some lightening in the area in the last number of days.

“We’re watching those areas where the lightning struck to see if any new fires will arise from those.”

McCool noted that since the Timmins Fire Department was released from assisting with the efforts to contain the new blaze, “good progress” has been made and the ministry does not anticipate “any major concerns” with the fire.

Article content continued

However, he did say people should take heightened precautions.

“When we see high and extreme fire conditions, that is a telling sign that it is very dry in the area. We do want to remind the public while they’re out enjoying their campfires to ensure that they’re not leaving those fires unattended. Always have an adult tending to those fires. Before you leave the area, make sure that you do pour water on the fire, stir the fire and add more water to ensure the fire’s completely out.”

Another blaze burning just off Hwy. 144, north of Mattagami First Nation, is under control at 0.6 hectares. That fire began Monday just after 4:30 p.m.

A third forest fire located further west near Kirkland Lake began burning shortly before 4:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. That fire is not under control and burning at one hectare.

Additionally, a fifth blaze has begun to burn southwest of the Kirkland Lake area and it is currently not under control at 0.1 hectares.

According to the MNRF, the fire hazard in the Northeast ranges from low to moderate, with the exception of the areas of Timmins, Greater Sudbury and Temiskaming Shores. Those three areas are showing a “high hazard.” Further north, those areas are showing a “moderate to high hazard” while an area northwest of Hearst is under an “extreme hazard.”

“Aviation, forest fire and emergency services would like to remind the public to use caution when performing any outdoor burning. In order to dispose of yard waste and woody debris, we encourage you to use methods such as composting or using your local landfill. If you must burn, follow Ontario’s outdoor burning regulations,” reads a statement on the ministry’s website.

“Fires are to be ignited no sooner than two hours before sunset and extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise. Always have tools/water adequate to contain the fire at the site.”

The full set of outdoor burning regulations can be found at www.ontario.ca/page/outdoor-fire-rules-and-permits