The Aviation, Forest Fire & Emergency Services agency says the Northwest needs sustained rain.
DRYDEN, Ont. — Firefighters combatting nearly 140 active forest fires in Northwestern Ontario continue to receive relief from other parts of Canada and North America.
The government of Alberta is the latest to dispatch firefighters to the region.
On Sunday, a crew of 28 including support staff headed east to Ontario.
Other jurisdictions that have sent crews to the Northwest include Quebec, WIsconsin and Mexico.
Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services reported Monday afternoon that it’s dealing with 138 fires in Northwestern Ontario alone, including 29 new ones that occurred over the weekend.
A spokesperson said fire activity on two significant blazes of concern – Red Lake 65, six kilometres northwest of Poplar Hill – and Red Lake 77, which is about 30 kilometres west of Red Lake, has recently been more limited, but both remain classified as not under control.
Although some rain last week slowed fire behaviour in various parts of the region, Jonathan Scott cautioned that sustained rain over a broader area is still badly needed.
He said recent thunderstorm activity has already led to numerous fires sparked by lightning, and AFFES is expecting more of these fires to crop up this week.
The fire hazard varies across the Northwest Region but remains extreme in the Kenora, Red Lake, Dryden, Fort Frances and Thunder Bay districts.
source tbnewswatch