Large northwestern Ontario forest fire prompts evacuation

Ontario Forest Fires is strongly encouraging residents and cottagers in parts of northwestern Ontario near the Manitoba border to evacuate due to a large forest fire.

Kenora 20 is burning near Ingolf, which is about 580 kilometres west of Thunder Bay. As of Tuesday afternoon, the fire was 8,000 hectares in size, and not under control.

Ontario Forest Fires said it's encouraging people in the area of the fire to evacuate due to the "evolving situation and increased fire behaviour."

The affected areas include:

• Malachi Lake
• Otter Lake
• Mantario Lake
• Hello Lake
• Jadel Lake
• Musk Lake
• Southern reaches of Tetu Lake, including Scot Bay

In addition, road closures have been implemented on Gundy Road north of Tannis Lake, Pickerel Lake Road KM9 at Pelican Pouch Launch, and Cygnet Lake Road at Highway 525.

Road use is prohibited without a travel permit, the province said.