Forest fire update for northeastern Ontario
19 new fires flared up Thursday as crews continue to battle extreme heat, smoke
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has recommended a mandatory evacuation order for people in the Key Harbour Area, as Parry Sound Fire 33 continues to burn.
The Key Harbour area, east of French River Provincial Park, is home to about 50 residences.
Ontario Provincial Police and conservation officers are assisting with the evacuation, and are advising drivers to avoid Highway 69 in the Key River and Henvey Inlet area.
As the number of fires increase due to dry conditions, the Public Health Sudbury & District is also reminding people to take precautions against the smoke that may be affecting the city from nearby forest fires.
In a release issued Friday, the organization said "most healthy adults and children will recover quickly from smoke exposures and will not suffer long-term consequences."
"Those at greatest risk of experiencing symptoms include older adults, children, pregnant women, people who smoke, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions."
The also offer this checklist of symptoms to watch for:
- eye, nose, and throat irritation
- headaches, nausea, and dizziness
- increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing, or difficulty breathing
- decreased lung function
- worsening asthma symptoms
Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should call Telehealth for medical advice or visit a health care provider.
Fires still burning
As of Thursday night, the Ministry says 66 fires still burn in the area, as 19 new fires flared up yesterday in tinder-dry conditions.
While the majority of them were caused by lightning strikes, a three hectare fire near Levack in the northwest corner of Greater Sudbury that flared up yesterday is thought to have been caused by a person.
The 100 acre fire in Henvey Inlet is not yet under control, the Ministry said, which is creating a lot of smoke in the area, visible from Highway 69.
Water bombers cruised over that fire most of yesterday, in an attempt to contain it.
Shayne McCool, the ministry's Fire Information Officer for the northeast, told CBC News that he expects today to be another "active fire day."
"I think today the concern will be smoke drift in the Highway 69 area, but we've also had reports as far as North Bay seeing the smoke as well," McCool said.
The fire that caused the evacuation of 20 homes in the Temagami area is currently listed as under control.
Most of the region south of Hearst is still considered to carry a high to extreme danger of forest fires.
Burn bans are still widely in effect, but McCool said he's hoping crews get some relief, or at least are able to gain some ground in the battle, as cloud cover enters the area.
Environment Canada is reporting the possibility of rain in the area Friday afternoon and evening.