Storm Tracker

The Kenora 51 fire continues to threaten Wabaseemoong Independent Nation and the community continues to evaluate the communities needs and safety.

Kenora 51 is approximately 183,430 hectares and is burning on the north side of Umfreville Lake, around 12 kilometres north of Wabaseemoong.

Chief and Council have been working closely with the MNRF, as well as federal and provincial governments to create an action plan to be ready should an evacuation becomes necessary.

Northwestern Ontario has been faced with the challenge of trying to fight and contain several large forest fires across the region. One of the large fires of note is Kenora 51 a fire that currently is destroying much of the Woodland Caribou Provincial Park.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry was able to give a detailed update on the fire.

Kenora Fire 51 continues to burn on the north side of Umfreville Lake, about 20 kilometres north of Wabaseemoong Independent Nation.

By early evening on Tuesday, August 3 the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services says Kenora Fire 51 hasn't been spotted south of Umfreville Lake.

Kenora Fire 51 is currently listed as "non under control" and has burned 192,161 hectares.

Five new fires were discovered in the region today. There are;

Northwestern Ontario has seen very little precipitation causing very dry conditions that have fueled many larger forest fires across the region.

According to Environment Canada data, the month of July saw just over half of the monthly precipitation average.

Six new fires were discovered in the region by the early evening of Monday, August 2, according to the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services.

There are 109 active fires in the northwest region. 18 fires are not under control, 4 fires are being held, 14 fires are under control and 73 fires are being monitored.

The forest fire hazard is high across most of the region with an area of low to moderate hazard in the southern portions of Nipigon and Thunder Bay districts.

The new fires are;

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the region.

The heat event is expected to start on Monday with maximum daytime temperatures between 29 and 30 C, with humidex values in the mid-thirties and overnight lows between 17 and 20 C.

A cold front is anticipated to bring cooler temperatures into the region Thursday.

The risks are greater for younger children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and people working or exercising outdoors.

Kenora Fire 51 is 12 kilometres north of Wabaseemoong First Nation, which has prompted Chief Waylon Scott to put his community on standby for evacuation.

In a social media post, Chief Scott says "MNRF has projected that the fire will/might jump [Umfreville] lake by Tuesday, and if it does, we are given a 12-24hr grace period to do a full-scale evacuation."

"Our hopes is that we don’t need to do a full scale evacuation. But we will keep you updated with more information as time goes on and as things progress."

Four new fires were discovered in the region by the late afternoon of Sunday, August 1, according to the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services.

There are 110 active fires in the northwest region. A total of 17 fires are not under control, five fires are being held, 15 fires are under control and 73 fires are being observed. Seven fires were called out today. 

Two new fires were discovered in the region by the late afternoon of Saturday, July 31, according to the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services.

There are 116 active fires in the northwest region. A total of 29 fires are not under control, 10 are being held, 16 are under control and 61 are being observed. Twelve fires were called out today. 

With the long weekend upon us, many residents may be tempted to end the night with a bonfire surrounded by family and friends. At this time, the region remains under a Restricted Fire Zone which bans most forms of burn.

"As we move into the long weekend, the Restricted Fire Zone in the region remains in place. That means outdoor fires are prohibited, but things like gas stoves and barbecues are still allowed," said Fire Information Officer, Chris Marchand.