No new forest fires were discovered yesterday in northeastern Ontario.
According to Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services, however, there are still 47 active fires in the region. Of those, 21 are not under control, with 26 being held, under control or being observed.
The province continues to receive support, including manpower and equipment, from across Canada, the United States and Mexico.
Currently, there are 543 firefighters and support staff in Ontario.
The North Bay 72 fire near Elk Lake started July 8 is at 27,285 hectares and still not under control. Yesterday, the AFFES said the area received a “significant amount of precipitation”.
Because of the weather, crews continued to consolidate control lines. Infrared scanning is also being used on fires in the Lady Evelyn cluster to help find hot spots.
Parry Sound 33 has been remapped at 11,185 hectares.
The AFFES, said crews have made progress in critical areas, notably on the northeast side of the fire near Pickerel River.
Yesterdays’ southwest wind tested the northeast perimeter, but the hose lines prevented the fire from spreading. Waterbombers and helicopters were also used to help tie off active areas.
As of yesterday, the fire was about five kilometres away from Highway 69 and less than one kilometre south of Pickerel River near the CN trestle bridge on the west side of Highway 69.
