With another couple of hot and sunny days in the forecast, residents and visitors are reminded that much of the region remains under a restricted fire zone.
This means that most fires and burning are currently prohibited.
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 Restricted Fire Zone remains in effect in the Kenora, Fort Frances, Dryden, and Thunder Bay Districts and portions of the Sioux Lookout, Red Lake, Nipigon, and Wawa Districts as the forest fire hazard in the district remains high to extreme.
Between January 1, 2021, and June 30, 2021, 152.8 mm of precipitation fell in the Kenora area according to Environment Canada's Historical Records.
The average rain/snowfall for this time period is 308.9 mm, meaning the Kenora area has only seen 49.46 per cent of the expected precipitation.
This has led to drought conditions leaving the area dry and susceptible to forest fires and water levels of local waterways low.
Environment Canada has forecasted a 30 per cent chance of showers today.
As of Friday evening, the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry says there are currently 66 active fires across the region. Nineteen fires were not under control, four fires were being held, 17 fires were under control and 26 fires were being observed. Six fires were called out today.