Forest fire briefly closes part of Highway 144 in northern Ontario
Since wildfire season started April 1, 46 forest fires have been confirmed in Ontario and dry conditions are creating a hazard.
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CTV News
20 minutes ago
- CTV News
Residents of Candle Lake prepare for evacuation
WATCH: Residents in La Ronge and first responders are facing new challenges in the midst of the ongoing wildfires. Residents of Candle Lake are being asked to pack their bags as the Shoe fire, Saskatchewan's largest, is within days of reaching the community. In a news release Friday, a village spokesperson said the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has advised residents the Shoe fire is now 11 km away and is expected to reach the community within the next three to 10 days, depending on weather conditions. 'The SPSA has not issued a mandatory evacuation, however residents should be prepared as it appears imminent this will occur,' the Resort Village of Candle Lake said in an update sent shortly before 11:30 a.m. on Friday. The Shoe fire is the biggest of six uncontained wildfires burning in northern Saskatchewan. It's burned 471,418 hectares so far since it first ignited on May 7 — an area over 20 times the size of Saskatoon. It has forced multiple communities to evacuate, including Lower Fishing Lake, Piprell Lake, East Trout Lake, Little Bear Lake, and Whiteswan/Whelan Bay. Without a major rainfall soon, it looks like Candle Lake will be the next on that list. Saskatchewan fire As of 11:30 a.m. Friday, 24 active fires were burning in northern Saskatchewan, with only three considered contained. The village is one of the fastest growing resort communities in the province with a sizeable year-round population — growing nearly 40 per cent between 2016 and 2021 to 1,160 people, according to census data. Provincial firefighters have implemented various protective actions to mitigate potential damage to the community, including clearcutting fire breaks around some subdivisions, and carrying flammable items like firewood away from properties. Ground and air crews continue active suppression efforts, the village says. Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and prepare for potential evacuation. As of 11:30 a.m. Friday, 24 active fires were burning in northern Saskatchewan, with only three considered contained. Saskatchewan fire Nova Scotia's deployed fire crew joins forces with Saskatchewan teams and firefighters from across Canada to battle the Shoe Fire. (Source: Nova Scotia Government/Facebook) Provincial crews have been struggling to contain a number of other major wildfires across north-central Saskatchewan, including the Pisew fire (141,905.0 hectares), the Wolf fire (130,822.0 hectares), the Pelican 2 fire (30,428.0 hectares), the Club fire (22,000.0 hectares), and the Ditch fire (90,000.0 hectares). Saskatchewan's sole Liberal MP, Buckley Belanger, is set to join officials from Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation in the community of Denare Beach on Friday to assess damage from the Wolf fire, MBC Radio reports. Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation says it's to help leaders better understand the situation on the ground and identify supports needed in the coming weeks.
CTV News
21 minutes ago
- CTV News
Montreal ranks 2nd for worst air quality in the world due to wildfires
The skyline of Montreal is obscured by a haze of smog, Sunday, June 25, 2023. (Graham Hughes, The Canadian Press)
CBC
29 minutes ago
- CBC
Air quality warnings, burn bans in place as wildfires expand across northwestern Ontario
As wildfire smoke from northwestern Ontario and Manitoba pervades southern parts of the province, the region's wildfires continue to grow. The area's biggest wildfire is Red Lake 12, which is more than 66,000 hectares large and not yet under control. The fire prompted the evacuation of Deer Lake First Nation last week, sending hundreds of community members to Toronto. "Crews continue to work hoselines on the flanks of the fire closest to the community and maintain sprinkler setups on buildings and infrastructure," Ontario Forest Fires said in its latest update online Thursday night. Meanwhile, provincial crews are tracking five other fires of note in the region: Kenora 20, which is more than 36,000 hectares large and not under control; the fire triggered evacuation orders for Ingolf and Wabaseemoong Independent Nations in mid-May, sending evacuees from the First Nation to Niagara Falls. Nipigon 5, which is more than 8,800 hectares large and not under control; the fire prompted the evacuation of Webequie First Nation members this week to Barrie. Kenora 32, which is located within Woodland Caribou Provincial Park, is not under control, at more than 7,700 hectares large. Kenora 14, which is under control at over 1,600 hectares large. Kenora 34, which is being held at 18 hectares large. Much of northwestern Ontario remains under a restricted fire zone, first issued in mid-May and then expanded at the end of the month. "No open air burning, including campfires, is permitted within the boundaries of a restricted fire zone. Portable gas or propane stoves may be used for cooking and warmth but must be handled with extreme caution. All burning permits are suspended," Ontario Forest Fires says on its website. Other restrictions in place include travel bans, use of waterways, and NOTAMS (notice to airmen) about limited drone usage permitted in the areas of Red Lake 12 and Nipigon 5. The wildland fire hazard remains high to extreme across the region. As of Thursday night, there were 18 active fires being tracked, at various stages of control. Dozens of air quality warnings, statements in effect As of Friday afternoon, several air quality warnings were in effect in the region, for areas including: Big Trout Lake — Kasabonika. Ear Falls — Perrault Falls — Western Lac Seul. Fort Hope — Lansdowne House — Ogoki. Kenora — Grassy Narrows — Whitedog. Pickle Lake — Cat Lake. Pikangikum — Poplar Hill — MacDowell. Red Lake — Woodland Caribou Park. Sachigo Lake — Bearskin Lake. Sandy Lake — Weagamow Lake — Deer Lake. Sioux Narrows — Nestor Falls — Morson. Summer Beaver — Wunnummin Lake — Kingfisher Lake. Webequie. "Wildfire smoke is expected to shift further north today as winds become southwesterly. Wildfire smoke may remain in place for the next several days for many areas," Environment and Climate Change Canada said in Friday's warnings online. "People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms." Common symptoms include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. People are urged to keep their windows and doors closed as much as possible, and to wear respirator-type masks if they are spending time outdoors. "Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles," Environment and Climate Change Canada says. Dozens of communities across the province remain under less severe air quality statements. In northwestern Ontario, these include: Armstrong — Auden — Wabakimi Park. Atikokan — Shebandowan — Quetico Park. Beardmore — Jellicoe — Macdiarmid. City of Thunder Bay. Cloud Bay — Dorion. Dryden — Vermilion Bay. Fort Frances — Emo — Rainy River. Geraldton — Longlac — Caramat. Gull Bay — Black Sturgeon Lake. Ignace — English River. Kakabeka Falls — Whitefish Lake — Arrow Lake. Manitouwadge — Hornepayne. Marathon — Schreiber. Nakina — Aroland — Pagwa. Nipigon — Rossport. Savant Lake — Sturgeon Lake. Seine River Village — Mine Centre. Sioux Lookout — Eastern Lac Seul. Upsala — Raith. White River — Dubreuilville.
