Lightning strikes spark new wildland fires in northeastern Ontario

The province is responding to two new wildland fires in northeastern Ontario, including one south of Hearst that has prompted an air and ground response.

Cochrane 26 is burning about 27 kilometres south of Hearst, where boaters in the area are being urged to move to shore when bombers are scooping water nearby.

Isabelle Chenard, communications specialist with Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services, said air and ground resources have been dispatched to the scene.

“We have Cochrane 26, which was confirmed (Friday) afternoon,” Chenard said.

Two waterbombers, three fire crews

“There are two CL-415 water bombers and a lead bird dog aircraft that are on the scene as well as three Ontario Fire Ranger crews. It is located approximately 27km south of the community of Hearst … There are no concerns for residents at this time.”

Another new fire, Sudbury 13, is a small blaze east of Highway 144. Chenard said crews are making good progress on containing it.

Meanwhile, she said Timmins 16 is now being held, while Timmins 9 remains active as firefighters continue to target hot spots.

Chenard said hot, dry weather and recent lightning have been driving new fire activity across the region.

“(In most years) in July and August, the majority of the fires that we see are lightning-caused. So we’ve had quite a few consecutive days of hot, dry weather.”

Chenard said there are currently 24 active wildland fires in northeastern Ontario, with most located in the northern part of the region.