Smoke from forest fires burning in the area can once again be seen and smelled in the Kenora area.
Based on the model from FireSmoke.ca, a website dedicated to forecasting smoky conditions in Canada, the smoke will be with us from Friday into the weekend.
Thankfully, the heavy smoke that blanketed the Kenora area on Thursday won't impact us due to current wind conditions.
There are two massive forest fires burning northwest of Kenora, in Woodland Caribou Provincial Park at this time, the largest being Kenora Fire 51.
Kenora 51 is listed as "being observed" and is 15246.9 hectares in size.
The forest fire hazard in the region ranges from high to extreme and the ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry to implement a Restricted Fire Zone in the Kenora, Fort Frances and Dryden Districts, and southern portions of Sioux Lookout and Red Lake Districts.
At this time, burning is illegal.
In most cases, this includes grass, debris, and campfires, even when using an outdoor fire grate, fireplace or fire pit. Portable gas stoves may still be used BUT must be handled with extreme care.
Fireworks are also banned.
It is a temporary measure put in place to prevent human-caused fires when the fire hazard is extreme or when firefighting resources are limited.