5 active wildland blazes remain in northeastern Ontario

Ministry of Natural Resources indicates the number of active wildland fires in Ontario’s Northeast Region has fallen to five as of 9 a.m. Sunday morning, down from 14 reported Saturday evening.

The fire hazard in the region remains moderate to high, with fire officials continuing to remind residents to follow outdoor burning rules as crews work to contain several fires. To access the current forest fire danger rating in your area, visit the MNR’s interactive fire map.

Sudbury fire remains not under control

The largest active blaze, designated Sudbury 2, is 54 hectares and located approximately 3.8 kilometres north of Highway 17 and three kilometres southeast of Agnew Lake, north of Nairn Centre. The fire is still listed as not under control.

The fire measured 72 hectares at its peak but has since been contained to 54 hectares.

Also, burning is Sudbury 3, which is 2.3 hectares in size and located on Secord Road, about two kilometres west of Highway 69. However, this blaze is being held by fire crews.

On Friday night, the ministry deployed CL-415 waterbombers, Twin Otters and Bird Dogs to conduct air attack operations against Sudbury 2 and Sudbury 3, along with Ontario fire rangers on the ground, while Greater Sudbury Fire Services rushed 18 trucks to the scene of Sudbury 2 earlier on Friday evening.

In a message to CTV News on Sunday morning, Sudbury Fire Chief Rob Grimwood provided an update.

“The fire near Fairbanks remains active, but Greater Sudbury Fire Services is no longer on scene, it is exclusively an MNR response at this time,” Grimwood wrote.

Speaking with CTV News from the scene of the blaze on Friday evening, Grimwood advised against any outdoor fires given the gusty conditions.

“There should be no outdoor fires,” he said.

The ministry posted on social media about the dangers posed by both Sudbury 2 and 3.

“Please stay clear of the area,” the MNR said.

Other active fires Sunday morning

In the Haliburton district, Haliburton 8, located approximately 0.3 kilometres south of Red Fox Bay and 0.3 kilometres east of Elva Lane, measures 10 hectares and is under control. Haliburton 10, located along Highway 60, about 0.8 kilometres west of Tanamakoon Lake, is listed as 0.1 of a hectare and under control. While Haliburton 11, located along Opeongo Road, about 2.8 kilometres north of Highway 60 and 1.6 kilometres southeast of Opeongo Lake, is also listed as 0.1 of a hectare and under control.

Other Fires confirmed in the previous 24 hours

According to the ministry’s report at 6:30 p.m. on May 30, 11 wildland fires were confirmed in the Northeast Region in the preceding 24 hours; 10 of which are now out. They were:

• Sudbury 4, a 0.1-hectare fire, located on Secord Road about 1.8 kilometres west of Highway 69.
• Chapleau 3, a 2-hectare blaze, located approximately 0.7 kilometres east of Argo Lake and 2 kilometres south of Dog Lake.
• Timmins 7, a 0.2-hectare fire, located about 0.4 kilometres southwest of Opemanah Lake and 0.35 kilometres east of the north end of Akonewi Lake.
• Timmins 8, a 1.5-hectare blaze, located just south of Round Lake and South Shore Road, approximately 0.75 kilometres west of Highway 112 and 2.4 kilometres east of Highway 11.
• North Bay 12, a 1-hectare fire, located about 0.8 kilometres east of Highway 567 and 2.8 kilometres west of Lake Timiskaming.
• Haliburton 12 through Haliburton 14 and Haliburton 16; all of which are or were 1 hectare or less.
• Haliburton 15, a 1.2-hectare blaze, located along Paugh Lake Road, approximately 5.3 kilometres southwest of Round Lake and 3.3 kilometres northeast of Little Round Lake.

Fire rules, reporting

There are currently no restricted fire zones in effect. However, the ministry reminded the public that outdoor fire rules are in place throughout Ontario’s legislated fire season, which runs from April 1 to Oct. 31.

Residents are encouraged to use alternatives such as composting or utilizing their local landfill to dispose of yard waste and woody debris.

“Fires are to be ignited no sooner than two hours before sunset and extinguished no later than two hours after sunrise,” said the MNR.

The ministry also added that citizens should ensure they have adequate tools and water available to contain any fire lit.

Residents within municipal boundaries must also check with their local fire department for burning restrictions or permitting requirements before burning.

To report a wildland fire north of the French and Mattawa rivers, dial 310-FIRE. To report a fire south of the French or Mattawa rivers, dial 911.

For tips on preventing wildland fires and information on the current fire situation, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X via @ONforestfires or visit Ontario.ca/FireUpdates.

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