Quetico backcountry closed to camping, travel due to forest fires in northwestern Ontario

Camping and travelling in Quetico Provincial Park in northwestern Ontario has been temporarily prohibited due to forest fires, Ontario Parks said.

The backcountry closure went into effect Tuesday, the organization said on its website, citing "increased forest fire activity" and "smoke impacts."

CBC News has reached out to Ontario Parks for comment, but has yet to receive a response.

As of Tuesday, nine fires were burning within Quetico. They're among more than 100 fires burning in northwestern Ontario.

The region's larger fires include:

• Kenora 51, which is about 200,600 hectares in size and not under control. The fire is burning about 20 kilometres north of Wabaseemoong First Nation, on the north side of Umfreville Lake. Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) said fire behaviour is increasing on the east and northeast parts of the fire due to warm and sunny weather. An evacuation of Wabameesoong began last week.
• Red Lake 65, located about six kilometres west of Poplar Hill First Nation and about 20,200 hectares in size. The fire is smouldering with some visible smoke. Poplar Hill was evacuated about a month ago, but residents returned home last week.
• Red Lake 51 is about 53,500 hectares and located about 24 kilometres west of Deer Lake First Nation. The fire is smouldering with some visible smoke. Deer Lake was evacuated about a month ago, but residents returned home in recent days.
• Red Lake 77, not under control at about 32,800 hectares, and located about 33 kilometres west of Red Lake. AFFES said Tuesday activity on the fire's west flank is increasing, while activity on the east flank is expected to increase due to wind and higher temperatures.

Heat warnings, air quality statement issued

Also Tuesday, Environment Canada has again issued heat warnings for much of northwestern Ontario; the higher temperatures are expected to remain in place until at least Wednesday, the agency said earlier this week.

An air quality statement was also issued for the Atikokan, Shebandowan, and Quetico area Tuesday, due to smoke that Environment Canada said may "continue to impact the area through to Saturday when the winds are expected to switch to northwesterly."

An Ontario government emergency order for the northwest allows the province to take special measures "to ensure the safety of people and the protection of critical property."

The restrictions apply to certain industrial operations that have the potential to cause sparks and start fires. A complete list of affected operations is available on Ontario's forest fire information page.