Our Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is warning that the forest fire situation in the region is escalating quickly.
As of Sunday afternoon there were 14 new fires confirmed, with most of them being caused by lightning strikes. Another 33 new fires flared up on Saturday. There are 155 ‘active’ fires in the Northwest.
Currently Quebec is assisting Ontario in the Northwest Region with two CL-415 water-bombers. Minnesota has also provided a Tactical Aircraft capable of air attack or transport as required.
Officials add that hot, windy conditions and a pattern of lightning strikes across the region are expected to keep the situation volatile for several days.
(Top photo: Kama Hill fire North of Nipigon. Bottom Photo: Sioux Lookout fires # 68 and 96, both caused by lightning. Photos provided by Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry)