Storm Tracker

The City of Kenora, in consultation with MPP Rickford and officials, has made the decision to cancel the fireworks display scheduled for Sunday night.

The wildland fire hazard ranges from high to extreme in the Kenora District, to a full range of conditions – from low to extreme – the result of localized showers in Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, Dryden, Fort Frances, Thunder Bay and Nipigon Districts.

Northwestern Ontario faces the worst forest fire seasons in 10 years with over 900 forest fires sparked this year, that have burned over 500,000 hectares.

Yesterday, 28 new fires were discovered bringing the active fire count to 148, with 59 of those fires considered not under control.

MPP Greg Rickford, Minister for Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (MNDMNRF) offers an update on the forest fire situation.

The forest fire smoke that has been blanketing the region for a few days will continue through the holiday weekend and even longer according to Environment Canada.

“The winds tomorrow (Saturday, July 31, 2021) especially are going to be coming from the north blowing in smoke from some of the more active fires to the north,” said Steven Flisfeder Environment Canada Warning Preparedness Meteorologist

28 new fires were discovered in the region by the evening of Thursday, July 29, according to the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services.

There are 148 active fires in the northwest region. A total of 59 fires are not under control, seven fires are being held, 22 fires are under control and 60 fires are being observed. Fifteen fires were called out today.

Approximately 20 Australian forest firefighters will be making the journey to Northwestern Ontario to help battle several large forest fires in the region.

“Australian forest fire personnel have arrived in Ontario, and will begin supporting Ontario with an incident management team, which is a group of specialists who manage and look after a forest fire,” said Johnathan Scott Fire Information Officer for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

The Australians will join 156 fire personnel from other partners provinces, and countries.

The level of Lake of the Woods continues to decline.

Since July 16, the water level has fallen from 322.66 m (1058.6 ft) to 322.63 m (1058.5 ft), keeping the lake in the 10th percentile for this time of year.

According to the Lake of the Woods Control Board (LWCB), the average level of the lake is expected to decline by 1 to 2 cm (1 in) over the next week.  

Lake of the Woods authorized outflow is 140 m3/s.

The thick blanket of smoke covering much of the region is expected to stick around into the morning hours of Thursday before a cold front moves into the region.

Based on modeling from SmokeFire.ca, the thick smoke will move south Thursday morning starting at 4 a.m., but smoky conditions will stick around into the weekend.

It's important to note, that the heavy smoke and falling ash in the Kenora area isn't from new fires burning near the community, but from fires burning in northern Ontario and eastern Manitoba.

Five new fires were discovered in the region by the evening of Wednesday, July 28, according to the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services.

There are 142 active fires in the northwest region. 37 fires are not under control, 12 fires are being held, 29 fires are under control and 64 fires are being monitored.

The forest fire hazard is moderate to high across most of the region with a few low areas following limited, scattered rain. Sioux Lookout and Dryden districts have pockets of extreme hazard.

The new fires discovered are;

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Kenora, Dryden, Vermilion Bay, and the surrounding communities.

Environment Canada says conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts and damaging hail.

Very large hail can damage property, break windows, dent vehicles and cause serious injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles.

20 new fires were discovered in the region by the evening of Tuesday, July 27, according to the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services.

There are 157 active fires in the northwest region. 51 fires are not under control, 10 fires are being held, 32 fires are under control and 64 fires are being monitored.

The forest fire hazard is high across most of the region with southern Nipigon and Thunder Bay districts showing a moderate to low hazard.