Four new forest fires reported in the region Monday

Four new forest fires sparked Monday in northeastern Ontario, bringing the total to six. Only one fire is under control; the other five are being held.

Ontario Forest Fires says there are now six forest fires in the northeast region after four new ones were discovered Monday.

One of the fires is under control while the other five are being held, the group said in its daily update on the area’s forest fire situation.

“The fire hazard is low across the central and southern section of the region and moderate to high with a few pockets of extreme values across the northern section of the northeast region,” the update said.

The four new fires are:

Haliburton 6, a 0.1-hectare fire located on a small island in Lingham Lake. This fire is being held.

Cochrane 10, 32 hectares in size and located about 23 kilometres north of the Otter River in the far north. This fire is being observed.

Cochrane 11, located 20 kilometres southeast of the Severn River, is 69 hectares in size and is being monitored.

Cochrane 12, 109 hectares in size and located three kilometres north of the Dickey River. This fire is being observed.

For a closer look at fire hazard conditions in your area, Ontario Forest Fires has an interactive map.

Wildland fires can affect communities when they occur in or near neighbourhoods near forested areas. The FireSmart program offers tangible tips on how to mitigate the risk of wildland fires spreading to your home, cottage, or community.

“Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services would like to remind the public to use caution when performing any outdoor burning,” the update said.

“In order to dispose of yard waste and woody debris, we encourage you to use methods such as composting or using your local landfill. If you must burn, follow Ontario’s Outdoor Burning Regulations.”

To report a wildland fire located north of the French and Mattawa rivers, dial 310-FIRE. To report a wildland fire located south of the French or Mattawa Rivers, dial 911.

For more information about the current wildland fire situation, click here.