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Section of Jack Road remains inaccessible as Gogama forest fire continues unabated

Timmins 2 continues to burn out of control at 4,645 hectares
TIM 2 Aerial Over Fire, June 8, 2019 (51)
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests provided this aerial photo of Timmins Fire #002 by Christine Rosche on June 8
NEWS RELEASE
AVIATION, FOREST FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
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Northeast Fire Region

There were no new fires in the Northeast Region by late afternoon today.

At the time of this update, there are two wildland fires in the region.

  • Cochrane 8 is under control at 3.5 hectares. It is located northwest of Fort Severn in the Far North.
  • Timmins 2 covers 4,645 hectares. It is “not under control”.
    • Infrared scanning continues to identify heat sources for ground crews to action. Perimeter patrols continue. Crews continue to patrol priority areas for hot spots.
    • Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry staff continue to work with the community of Gogama to aid community leaders and area residents.

At the time of this update, the fire hazard is mostly high across the Northeast Region, with a few areas showing a moderate hazard, and one small portion of the Wawa sector in the area of White River showing an extreme hazard.

Travel restrictions in parts of Timmins district due to forest fire imposed by MNRF Timmins District 

Pursuant to the Emergency Area Order signed June 11, 2019, an Implementation Order has been issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry prohibiting access and travel in portions of Timmins District where there are public safety hazards as a result of fire activity from Timmins #002.

The Order restricts travel, access and use in an identified area (see map at Ontario.ca/forestfire) and may be modified regularly to reflect changing fire conditions.

This measure has been put in place to ensure public safety while allowing fire personnel to safely and effectively suppress the fires in the identified area. 

All travel and use of Jack Road from the intersection of Jack Road and Highway 144, westerly to the Ontario Power Generation Mesomekenda Lake Dam, at Mesomekenda Lake is prohibited.

All use and occupation of Crown Land or within 500 metres of the described closed roads within this area is prohibited.

If a member of the public believes that access within the restricted travel area is necessary for non-recreational purposes, please call 705-235-1334 to request a travel authorization permit.  MNRF will review the request for access based on the rationale provided, local fire activity, and the potential fire risk.

Please visit ontario.ca/forestfire to view the current access restrictions, associated map, and fire activity as this site is being updated regularly.

Help fight forest fires - stay clear of waterbombers

When waterbombers approach a body of water, move close to the shore so they can perform their scoop. A waterbomber will not scoop from a lake or river if encroaching watercraft pose a safety hazard.

More Information

For updates on highway closures, check Ontario511 or @OPPCommunicationsNER on Twitter, and Ontario Provincial Police-Northeast Region on Facebook.

For information about the current forest fire situation: 1-888-220-7242

For updates on the fire situation, visit ontario.ca/forestfire or follow us on Twitter @ONforestfires.

To report a forest fire located north of the French and Mattawa rivers, please dial 310-FIRE

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