KENORA — The largest wildfire of the season in Northwestern Ontario has consumed 1,300 hectares of forest, but Ministry of Natural Resources crews have been aided by more favourable weather conditions.
Heading into the weekend, there were concerns about the fire's proximity to Wabaseemoong Independent Nations, as it was only 12 kilometres to the south and the fire was exhibiting some extreme behaviour.
However, there was minimal growth on the fire's perimeter on Saturday, and the wind changed direction, blowing from the south to direct fire activity and smoke away from the community.
The MNR expects southerly winds will persist for a few days.
Public information officer Chris Marchand said Monday the leadership of the First Nation had started preparations for moving vulnerable community residents to safety, but because the situation has improved, he understands that plan is now on hold.
Eleven fire ranger crews are currently assigned to the fire, with three more en route.
Seven helicopters are now working on the fire, including two heavy helicopters with larger bucket capacity.
Marchand said crews had the opportunity Sunday to do some prescribed burning on the fire's eastern side in order to establish a new perimeter at natural boundaries such as creeks or other water bodies.
"Ignition is strategy that takes advantage of optimal weather conditions to burn off fire-prone areas ahead of the fire...That happened yesterday, and it was a very successful ignition."
Under an Emergency Area Order declared by the ministry on Saturday, all travel on roads, including Highway 525, beyond the northern boundary of Wabaseemoong First Nation is now prohibited unless authorized by a travel permit.
Access to lakes and waterways in the vicinity is also banned, as is use and occupation of Crown land in the area.
A map of the region affected by the order can be viewed online.
Elsewhere in Northwestern Ontario, a fire near Peterson Cove on Sturgeon Lake, about 62 kilometres northeast of Ignace, has burned 63 hectares and is not under control.
The MNR reported the fire responded well to air attack by waterbombers, which helped to minimize fire behaviour on the weekend.
Across the region, the fire hazard ranges from high to extreme.
The province of Québec has loaned two CL-415 waterbombing aircraft and crews to Ontario to assist with firefighting in the Northwest.
NOTE: This story was updated at 3:55 pm May 12 to clarify that the aircraft on loan from Quebec are CL-415s. Incorrect information was initially provided by the MNR.
