Thunderstorms a double-edged sword for crews fighting forest fires in northeastern Ontario

Firefighting crews from across the country are pitching in to stave off a cluster of fires in the northeast, while more potential lightning strikes are becoming a concern for the area.

In its most recent update Friday afternoon, Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestryreports there are 60 active forest fires in the Northeast region. Of those, 22 are not yet under control, while 38 are either being held, under control or being observed.

"Relative humidity is higher in the region this morning, this is effectively reducing the fire activity and allowing our crews to make good progress," stated the ministry in a release.

"Although [rain]may help to bring short-term relief to the fire hazard in some localised areas, it is expected to rebound quickly once the precipitation has subsided. There is a current risk of thunderstorms for today, which could bring more lightning fires."

The ministry also received a call for assistance from the Municipality of Central Frontenac for fire Peterborough 3. Three Twin Otters and a birddog aircraft were dispatched but were not required. A ground crew assistedmunicipal firefighters Friday morning.

The ministry says fire crews are making good progress on North Bay 69, which is located southwest of the Temagami marina. Heavy helicopters were working on the fire yesterday afternoon, bucketing water onto the fire.

The Timmins 12forest fire has grown to77 hectares and is still not under control has of Friday afternoon. Itis located approximately 25 kilometres east of Nighthawk Lake.

Four CL415 water bombers and fourfire crews are working to suppress the fire.

Incident Management Teams (IMTs) have mobilized in the region and are taking over priority fires in three areas:

• River Valley Cluster
• Lake Temagami Cluster
• Lady Evelyn Cluster

Temagami area information

Mandatory Evacuation Orders from Temagami Shores, at the south edge of the town of Temagami, to Jessie Lake including Bell Island on Lake Temagami have been downgraded to an Evacuation Alert.

Residents have been told they can return home, but must remain on alert as they can be asked to leave again at any time based on the fire situation. Other evacuation alerts remain in place.

Travel Restrictions

The MNRF issued an Emergency Area Order (EAO) for parts of the North Bay District due to active fires around Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater, Lake Temagami and the North Bay District.

For information about these travel restrictions, the MNRF says people can call705-475-5546.

You can view an interactive map of the fires here.