Hilton Union Fire

A fan ban was issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources Today that covers most of Northeastern Ontario, including St. Joseph Island.

The following was issued today by the MNR…

There is a Restricted Fire Zone in place for northeastern Ontario. This restriction includes areas north of the French River to the James Bay coast and from the Quebec border west to the Pic River.

The Restricted Fire Zone will be in effect until further notice. All burning permits are suspended and all open air burning, including campfires, is prohibited. Within a Restricted Fire Zone, campers can still use portable gas or propane cook stoves for cooking and warmth but should exercise extreme caution.

A map of the Restricted Fire Zone can be viewed by clicking on this link.

There were 11 new fires confirmed in the East Fire Region on May 19. Timmins district had two fires of note. Timmins 7 west of Timmins was actioned by MNR FireRangers, and MNR waterbombers. Five MNR FireRanger crews are committed to suppressing the fire. The fire is approximately 125 hectares in size. Timmins 9, near Schumacher, is estimated at 105 hectares and required the evacuation of 10 nearby residents. The fire was responded to by both MNR and Timmins Fire Department. Four CL-415 waterbombers worked the fire until dark on the evening of May 19 and aggressive suppression will continue May 20. There are two other fires in the Timmins district that were reported on May 19, both are less than two hectares and there are no problems anticipated.

Sudbury 33 was reported near Birch Lake west of Sudbury and has been called out. There are no active fires within the Sudbury district.

Bancroft 2, near Black Donald Lake, was confirmed at one hectare and is now under control.

Sault Ste. Marie 11, north of Iron Bridge, is under control at one hectare.

Chapleau 11 was 0.1 hectares and has been called out. Chapleau 12, near Shartrend Lake, has also been called out.

Wawa 10 was reported at one hectare and suppression efforts continue.

Cochrane 16, a lightning fire in the Far North, is being observed. It is approximately 100 hectares and there are no concerns at this time.

There are no issues anticipated with any of the other active fires at this time.

Regardless of the fire hazard always build a safe campfire. Build your fire on bare soil or exposed rock, sheltered from the wind and away from tents or buildings. Keep a pail of water and shovel nearby and make sure the fire is not left unattended. Keep your fire small and when you’re finished, make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving the site. Remember to DROWN, STIR, DROWN! Always to contact your local fire department or municipal office before burning. Safe burning guidelines can be found at ontario.ca/fireprevention.

Residents are reminded that if found responsible for a forest fire, they can be charged under the Forest Fires Prevention Act and/or be liable for the costs of suppressing the fire. This cost can easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars.

The Forest Fires Prevention Act is the legislation that controls the use of fire.   This Act and its regulations have requirements aimed at reducing forest fires and ensuring public safety. The Act and its regulations spell out safety standards and measures governing the use of fire in the forests and establishes penalties to deter violators and careless users.

310-FIRE (3473) is the new, toll-free emergency forest fire phone number across northern Ontario.  Early detection and reporting are essential to quickly managing forest fires. Having one number will make it easier and more efficient for Ontarians to report forest fire emergencies.  The number will operate north of the French and Mattawa Rivers.

The Dry Spring continues and this continues to elevate the forest fire risk across the province.

14 Fires are burning across the province with a couple in the Sault region.

There nearest being a small fire on the Thessalon Reserve that is classified as ‘Not Under Control’ this afternoon.

There are no provincial fire bans in place but with the long Victoria Day weekend drawing near everyone should take care with open fires.

We will continue to monitor this situation and advise if any bans are issued.

The Hilton Union Fire Department received a page Sunday afternoon for a structure fire on Trainor Sideroad, in Hilton Township.

All Hilton Union firefighters quickly responded with the Tanker, Pumper and Rescue vehicle and arrived to a garage/shed fully engulfed in flames.   Fire Chief Joe Books took control of the scene and quickly dispatched resources to control the large fire.  Automatic Aid brought the Jocelyn Fire Department on scene for additional water supply and manpower.

The building was fully engulfed but flames were quickly spreading to the surrounding bush.  Quick action allowed for containment of the fire before it could take off in the dry cedar and maple surrounding the building.

A hydro pole was also burning and firefighters took care to stand clear of the pole and the live hydro lines that were attached.

Once the fire was under control the firefighters quickly cleared away debris to make way for Class ‘A’ foam – which blanketed the scene to prevent any flare-ups.

After 4 hours the scene was secured and all fire fighters returned safely.  In total, over 14,000 gallons of water was used, 3 pails of Class ‘A’ foam, hundreds of feet of 1.5″ and 2/5″ hose were laid and over a dozen firefighters fought the blaze.

The Ministry of Natural Resources Aviation & Forest Fire Management Division increased the Fire Danger Risk from Low to Moderate     today and any burning should be carried out with caution.

IF the dry weather continues then the next stage is ‘High” risk which could result in the restriction of building permits.  The Thunder Bay region in the only Northern Ontario region that has reached the ‘High Risk’ category.

Recent rain, followed by snow, has eliminated the high risk of wildfires.  Therefore the Hilton Union Fire Department has decided to lift the local open air burning ban.

Thanks to compliance by local residents the fire department did not receive ANY calls during the period of the ban.  We would like to thank all of you for observing the ban and keeping our municipalities fire-free!

The forecast is for warmer weather this week but the recent precipitation should encourage the greening of fields and the forest floor, reducing the risk of wildfires.

Permits are now required for burning and can be obtained at the Hilton Township office or Hilton Beach township office during regular office hours.