A forest fire south of Timmins and west of Temiskaming Shores has more than doubled in size.
Kirkland Lake 5 has been burning since Saturday about 80 km west of Latchford, 5 km southeast of McKee Lake.
Yesterday, officials reported it as being about 387 hectares in size. In its Saturday update, Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services says, due to an increase in fire behaviour Friday afternoon, the fire has now been remapped at 889 hectares.
It is not yet under control.
“For a short time early on Saturday afternoon, one CL415 waterbomber and a lead birddog aircraft actioned this wildland fire, after which precipitation and cooler temperatures contributed to lowering the fire activity,” the daily report stated.
“A total of eight FireRanger crews, two fire management staff and three helicopters are currently assigned to this wildland fire with more resources being assigned over the next few days.”
There are 22 other active wildfires in Ontario’s Northeast Region, one is being held, two are under control and 19 are being observed.
“The fire hazard is mostly low to moderate in areas of the region located north of Timmins and Sault Ste Marie, as well as south and east of North Bay and Lake Nipissing,” Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services added.
“The central portion of the region is showing a mostly moderate to high hazard with a pocket of extreme in the vicinity of Temiskaming Shores, Cobalt and Latchford. Some portions of Ontario’s Far North are showing a moderate to high hazard.”
Find Saturday's full news release below:
Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services
Northeast Fire Region
August 10, 2024
Time of Report – 18:35
Northeast Region
There were no new wildland fires confirmed in the Northeast Region by early evening on Saturday, August 10.
At the time of this update, there are 23 active wildland fires in the Northeast Region. Of these, 1 is not yet under control, 1 is being held, 2 are under control and 19 are being observed.
Fire of note
- Kirkland Lake 5 (KLK005) is located approximately 5 km north of Stull Lake, 5 km southeast of McKee Lake, and approximately 80 km west of Latchford. It was confirmed on August 3 and is not under control at the time of this update. This fire has been remapped at 889 hectares after an increase in fire behaviour on Friday afternoon. For a short time early on Saturday afternoon, one CL415 waterbomber and a lead birddog aircraft actioned this wildland fire, after which precipitation and cooler temperatures contributed to lowering the fire activity. A total of 8 FireRanger crews, 2 fire management staff and 3 helicopters are currently assigned to this wildland fire with more resources being assigned over the next few days. A fire perimeter can be consulted on the province’s interactive map.
The fire hazard is mostly low to moderate in areas of the region located north of Timmins and Sault Ste Marie, as well as south and east of North Bay and Lake Nipissing. The central portion of the region is showing a mostly moderate to high hazard with a pocket of extreme in the vicinity of Temiskaming Shores, Cobalt and Latchford. Some portions of Ontario’s Far North are showing a moderate to high hazard.
For current wildland fire danger values check our interactive map.
No Drone Zone: Be safe, stay clear of forest fires!
Flying drones around forest fires is both dangerous and illegal. When you fly a drone near a forest fire, you can put the lives of pilots, firefighters and other emergency personnel at risk. Be safe, stay clear of forest fires.
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 safely. A waterbomber will not scoop from a lake or river if encroaching watercraft pose a safety hazard. Be safe, stay clear of waterbombers.
Report a Wildland Fire
To report a wildland fire located north of the French and Mattawa rivers, please dial 310-FIRE. To report a wildland fire located south of the French or Mattawa Rivers, please dial 9-1-1.
For tips on preventing wildland fires and information on the current fire situation, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) in English and French: @ONforestfires and @ONfeudeforet. For more information about the current wildland fire situation, visit www.ontario.ca/forestfire.
