Change in weather could stoke dozens of northeast Ontario fires

There is concern that a change in the weather on Saturday could stoke the dozens of wildfires raging across northeastern Ontario.

The province's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) says high humidity on Friday helped crews hold the line on 45 active fires in the region, 21 of which were still out of control by the late evening.

But the ministry says the forecast return of drier conditions on Saturday, combined with high temperatures and southwesterly winds, could fan the flames.

Two fires remain of primary concern — North Bay 72, a monster that has charred just over 27,285 hectares, and Parry Sound 33, last measured at 11,185 hectares.

"We are expecting beautiful sunny skies ... and southwesterly winds up to 15 to 20 kilometres an hour along Georgian Bay today," Isabelle Chenard, a fire information officer with the MNRF, said.

"We are expecting the winds to continue on until tomorrow and possibly have some stronger gusts even tomorrow. So the nice temperatures combined with the winds could mean increased fire activity on Parry Sound 33 this weekend."

The ministry adds that if that happens, it has the resources, including help from crews across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, to "respond appropriately."

Ground crews have been able to establish hose line around the perimeter of the fire at key areas, including the northeast side near Pickerel River, according to Chenard. Aerial crews will provide support from above to help keep the intensity of the fire down, while work on the ground continues over the weekend.

Smoke continues to affect air quality and visibility in the region and Environment Canada has posted special air quality statements stretching from the Georgian Bay area through Espanola, North Bay and east to Mattawa along the Ottawa River.

The smoke had earlier forced evacuations in parts of the Municipality of Killarney, not including the village of Killarney, and prompted an evacuation alert for the Alban area in the Municipality of French River.

Meanwhile, in northwestern Ontario, firefighters are battling another 101 fires.