The restricted fire zone remains in effect as the forest fire hazard remains high to extreme across the district.
By yesterday afternoon, five new fires were discovered in the region. This includes Kenora 65, which is located on Wabaseemong Independent Nation. The fire is approximately 7 kilometres northeast of the community and is being held at 0.2 hectares.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry says there are 76 active fires in the northwest region. A total of 23 fires were not under control, six fires were being held, 22 fires were under control and 25 fires were being observed.
Kenora 51, northwest of Kenora in Woodland Caribou Provincial Park, has been remapped to a size of 31,673 hectares, or 316.73 km².
11 crews, 22 helicopters and an Incident Management Team have been assigned to Kenora Fire 51.
Earlier in the week, it was reported that Ontario fire crews were heading to B.C. to aid firefighters in that province. The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry says "at this time Ontario does not have fire personnel in B.C. We continue to assess our ability to provide support based on the current fire situation in Ontario."
The Restricted Fire Zone remains in effect in the Kenora, Fort Frances and Dryden Districts, and southern portions of Sioux Lookout and Red Lake Districts and bans most outdoor fires.
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.
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.
The region is in need of rain, which may arrive as early as next week. Environment Canada is calling for a chance of showers Monday evening through Tuesday.