Latest news with #MinistryofNaturalResources
CTV News
2 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Wildfire activity persists in northern Ontario
Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) continues to monitor wildfires across the province, with varying conditions in the northeast and northwest regions. While some fires have been brought under control, others remain active, prompting ongoing suppression efforts and precautionary measures. Fire ranger using hose An Ontario fire ranger blasts water from a hose at the perimeter of a forest firest in this undated photo. (Ministry of Natural Resources/Ontario Forest Fires/X) Northeast region The northeast region reports two active wildfires, with one recently contained. Sudbury 13, a 0.5-hectare fire near Wikwemikong that was identified on Saturday, was declared out Sunday morning. Cochrane 2, an 8-hectare fire northwest of Attawapiskat, is now under control. Cochrane 3, burning 48 kilometres west of Attawapiskat, remains not under control at 150 hectares. Though the MNR confirms no immediate threats to communities or infrastructure at this time. Cochrane 2 & 3 Fires An aerial view of active Cochrane district fires on May 29, 2023. (Ministry of Natural Resources/Ontario Forest Fires/X) The fire hazard ranges from low to moderate across most of the region, though Onaping Falls and Elliot Lake face a high hazard rating. Northwest region The northwest region remains a focal point, with 15 active fires and persistent high-risk conditions. New fires Thunder Bay 15, a 0.1-hectare fire on Thompson Island, is not yet under control. Nipigon 8, near Fort Hope First Nation, was contained Sunday morning at 0.2 hectares. Major Fires Red Lake 12 has been remapped to 12,559 hectares. An Ontario Incident Management Team is leading suppression, with crews prioritizing Deer Lake First Nation's protection. 'Winds were favourable today, helping fire crews make good progress,' the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services said in its update on Saturday evening. 'Fire ranger crews continue to make good progress on values protection. Fire crews have established hose lines on the east side of the community.' Red Lake 12 - May 30 CL415s and lead birddog aircraft performed aerial fire suppression to support crews on the ground battling a 9,617 hectare fire in northwestern Ontarion near Deer Lake First Nation on May 30, 2025. This image shows an aerial view of the smoke coming off of the Red Lake 12 wildfire on May 30, 2025. (Ministry of Natural Resources/Ontario Forest Fires/X | Photo Credit: Eli Leatherdale) Nipigon 5 remains out of control and now measures more than 7,506 hectares, with firefighters establishing hose lines near Webequie First Nation. Fire rangers with hose pack Two Ontario fire rangers, one with a hose pack on their back, walk through a forested area recently impacted by wildland fire in this undated photo. (Ministry of Natural Resources/Ontario Forest Fires/X) Kenora 20, now measuring 34,008 hectares, had additional support crews on Saturday to assist with suppression efforts. Cooler temperatures aided efforts, but the Manitoba border flank remains active. Kenora 20 - fire An aerial view of smoke from the Kenora 20 wildland fire on May 24, 2025. (Ministry of Natural Resources/Ontario Forest Fires/X) Kenora 14 (1,607 ha), Fort Frances 4 (3,593 ha), and Sioux Lookout 3 (1,849 ha) are all being held. The MNR acknowledged British Columbia wildfire crews for their support with Kenora 14 and 20 as they headed home Saturday. As #BC Wildfire crews begin their journey home, AFFES extends our thanks for your support on #Kenora Fires 14 & 20. Your dedication and teamwork made a real impact. Safe travels and thank you for supporting #Ontario.#ThankYou #MutualAid — Ontario Forest Fires (@ONforestfires) May 31, 2025 Restrictions and evacuations A Restricted Fire Zone is in effect, with travel bans and evacuation orders near Kenora 32, 20, and 14 along with Red Lake 12 and Nipigon 5. Crown land use and lake access are prohibited in designated areas. A closed road with traffic barriers setup by the Ministry of Natural Resouces - undated A closed road with traffic barriers setup by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resouces is shown in this undated photo. (Ministry of Natural Resources/Ontario Forest Fires/X) The fire hazard is high to extreme across the northwest region. Wildfire smoke Most of northwestern Ontario continues to be impacted by smoke drift from Kenora 20 and active wildfires in Manitoba. 'Smoke is likely to continue impacting the local (Deer Lake First Nation) area throughout the weekend,' said the ministry. Visit to view forecasted smoke conditions in your area. Detailed fire information For more detailed information on fire perimeters, restricted fire zones and fire hazard levels, review the MNR's interactive fire map.
CBC
6 days ago
- General
- CBC
Coyote sightings in Waterloo, Guelph prompt safety reminders from city officials
Two coyote sightings in Waterloo region and Guelph this week have officials reminding residents how to stay safe in case they come across one in their backyard or out in the wilderness. In Waterloo on Tuesday, a coyote and her pups were sighted on the GeoTime trail in Vista Hills. That coyote had a brief altercation with a Waterloo resident and their dog but no injuries were reported. City of Waterloo officials told CBC News in an email that park staff closed the section of the trail where the coyote interaction happened as a precautionary measure. The same evening, the University of Guelph reported a coyote sighting near the west side of the University Centre on campus. The school said in a post on its website the coyote was not aggressive and there was no reason to believe it posed a major safety risk. Both the city of Waterloo and University of Guelph websites tell residents that coyotes will typically avoid humans if they are left alone. Waterloo's website outlines ways to avoid conflict with a coyote during seasons where they're more prominent. In general, city parks officials follow the Ministry of Natural Resources guidelines. Most coyotes will ignore or avoid humans. Waterloo's city parks website said "like all urban wildlife, they're looking for food, water and shelter." If a coyote is nearby or approaching a populated area, they suggest the following: Do not approach. Be big and loud, stand tall, wave your arms, shout (but don't scream), clap your hands, bang pots and pans and make a lot of noise. Keep pets on a leash. Slowly back away. Do not turn your back or run as that can trigger a chase instinct. Do not leave food waste in park garbage cans so as to not attract coyotes. Carry a flashlight on public trails. Report any aggressive, sick or injured coyote.
CTV News
6 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Open fires banned in some Quebec areas
A stock image of a hand holding a match with an open flame and a large fire in the background. (File photo/PamWalker68/iStockPhoto) The northernmost regions of Quebec have been banned from open fires in or near wooded areas because of conditions conducive to forest fires. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, the aim of this measure is to limit the risk of forest fires in the context of the return of fine weather. Until further notice, it is therefore forbidden to light open fires in certain areas of Nord-du-Québec, Côte-Nord, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Mauricie, Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie. The ministry points out that failure to comply with the order, which came into force at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, is punishable by a fine. An open fire is defined as 'any fire that burns freely or has the potential to spread freely.' Campfires, fireworks and the use of instruments capable of producing flames are prohibited. Fires lit in special facilities equipped with spark arrestors are still permitted. There is currently only one active forest fire in Quebec -- on the North Shore, and it is under control. However, since the start of the week, the Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU) has been issuing a 'call for vigilance' for regions in the north of the province. In these areas, SOPFEU expects the level of forest fire danger to gradually increase from 'high' to 'extreme' over the next few days. 'In spring, dead vegetation -- such as leaves and brush -- dries out quickly under the effect of the wind and sun. They then become highly flammable. So we need to be vigilant as soon as the weather gets better,' explained SOPFEU on Tuesday on social networks. Since the start of the protection season, 96 forest fires have affected 106.8 hectares in the intensive protection zone. The average for the last 10 years, at the same date, is 183 fires for a burnt area of 199.1 hectares. This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 28, 2025.
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- Climate
- The Hindu
At least four killed and 17 trapped in China landslides
At least four people were killed in landslides while 17 remain trapped in southwestern China's Guizhou province on Thursday (May 22, 2025), state media reported, with rescuers struggling to reach them in mountainous terrain. "The death toll from the landslides in southwest China's Guizhou Province on Thursday has risen to four while 17 people remain trapped, the provincial government said," State news agency Xinhua reported. Two landslides occurred in separate parts of Dafang county, the first at around 3.00 a.m. (1900 GMT Wednesday) and another at 9.00 a.m., state broadcaster CCTV said. "Two separate landslides struck Changshi and Guowa townships in Dafang County under the city of Bijie on the same day, trapping two and 19, respectively," Xinhua reported. Aerial footage by the broadcaster showed a village inundated by brown mud that blanketed farming fields and pooled at the foot of a densely forested mountain. Guizhou activated a Level II emergency response for geological disasters and China's Ministry of Natural Resources dispatched a team to the area to guide rescue operations. The emergency management ministry urged rescue teams to make "every possible effort" to recover the missing people. However, it said the remote region was "high and steep" and that rescue efforts were proving "difficult".
Business Recorder
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Business Recorder
At least four killed and 17 trapped in China landslides: state media
BEIJING: At least four people were killed in landslides while 17 remain trapped in southwestern China's Guizhou province on Thursday, state media reported, with rescuers struggling to reach them in mountainous terrain. 'The death toll from the landslides in southwest China's Guizhou Province on Thursday has risen to four while 17 people remain trapped, the provincial government said,' state news agency Xinhua reported. Two landslides occurred in separate parts of Dafang county, the first at around 3:00 am (1900 GMT Wednesday) and another at 9:00 am, state broadcaster CCTV said. 'Two separate landslides struck Changshi and Guowa townships in Dafang County under the city of Bijie on the same day, trapping two and 19, respectively,' Xinhua reported. Death toll in southwest China landslide rises to 10 Aerial footage by the broadcaster showed a village inundated by brown mud that blanketed farming fields and pooled at the foot of a densely forested mountain. Guizhou activated a Level II emergency response for geological disasters and China's Ministry of Natural Resources dispatched a team to the area to guide rescue operations. The emergency management ministry urged rescue teams to make 'every possible effort' to recover the missing people. However, it said the remote region was 'high and steep' and that rescue efforts were proving 'difficult'.
