Timmins 9 forest fire holds at 3,154ha, still out of control

Rain helped curb a 3,100-hectare wildfire threatening Mattagami First Nation. Timmins 9, sparked May 31, no longer needs heavy air support.

The massive wildfire called Timmins 9 held steady at 3,154 hectares on Tuesday evening, but remains out of control, officials with Ontario Forest Fires said in its daily update.

Timmins 9, which was first reported May 31, approached 3,400 hectares at one point, before rainy weather and efforts by firefighters reduced it to 3,154 hectares.

A total of 15 Ontario FireRanger crews are battling the fire, along with a 20-person incident management team. In total, seven pieces of heavy equipment and five helicopters are assigned to Timmins 9, which is located approximately 10 km from Gogama, seven kilometres west of Mattagami First Nation and 1.5 km west of Highway 144.

Hot and humid conditions

“Temperatures rose to a high of 28 C on Tuesday afternoon with humidity levels steadily rising,” the update said.

“Bucketing helicopters worked to support ground crews and heavy equipment, who continue to make good progress with fire suppression.”

One new fire was confirmed Tuesday evening. Cochrane 7 is 30 hectares and is located 60 kilometres southwest of Fort Severn. The fire is being observed.

There are six active wildland fires in the Northeast Region, but the other four are considered under control.

Travel restrictions remain in place in Gogama because of Timmins 9. Review the Implementation Order map here.

There is also an aircraft and drone ban in the area.

Find the most updated fire information on our interactive fire map here. The updated fire map can be found here.