One new forest fire confirmed in the northeast Friday

Aerial view of the Cochrane 9 fire taken on June 5, 2024, by Chad Porter, Fire Operations Technician, from the Cochrane Fire Management Headquarters. Initially a very active fire, it has now seen several bouts of significant precipitation, and the fire activity is now low. (Ontario Forest Fires photo)

There was one new wildland fire confirmed by early evening on Friday, Ontario Forest Fires said in a news release.

That brings the number of active wildland fires in the Northeast Fire Region to three.

Chapleau 4 is a 0.1-hectare fire that is under control. This fire is located on the eastern shore of Borden Lake, about 6.5 kilometres southeast of Chapleau. There is one Fire Ranger crew committed to this fire.

Cochrane 8 is a 35-hectare fire that is being observed. This fire is located about 57.5 kilometres northwest of Moosonee.

Cochrane 9 is a 6,022-hectare fire that is being observed. This fire is located east of Parson Lake and eight kilometres west of the Quebec border.

“The fire hazard for most of the Northeast Region is low to moderate,” the news release said.

“With the exception of a pocket that has maintained a high hazard along the Mattagami River north of Kapuskasing, the only areas of the province showing a high hazard are east of the eastern shore of Lake Superior (Montreal River Harbour, Batchawana Bay, Goulais River) as well as north and east of the North Shore of Lake Huron (Spanish, Massey, Espanola, Greater Sudbury, Killarney and West Nipissing).”

Areas north and west of Onaping Falls along Highway 144 are showing an extreme hazard.

For the most up-to-date forest fire danger ratings, click on the interactive forest fire information map.

Safety tips to keep in mind:

When waterbombers approach a body of water, move close to the shore so they can perform their scoop safely. A waterbomber will not scoop from a lake or river if encroaching watercraft pose a safety hazard. Be safe, stay clear of waterbombers.

Flying drones around forest fires is both dangerous and illegal. When you fly a drone near a forest fire, you can put the lives of pilots, firefighters and other emergency personnel at risk. Be safe, stay clear of forest fires.

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

For more information about the current wildland fire situation, click here.