NEWS RELEASE MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES *************************** Precipitation across most of the region has aided in the suppression efforts of the 17 active fires today. As of 15:30 p.m. today, there have been no new fires.

NEWS RELEASE



MINISTRY OF

NATURAL RESOURCES



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Precipitation across most of the region has aided in the suppression efforts of the 17 active fires today.



As of 15:30 p.m. today, there have been no new fires.



The following is an update on the larger existing fires in the region.



Timmins 9 is currently 39,518 hectares in size.



As of this morning, Timmins 9 is now classed as being held thanks to the hard work of ground crews, aggressive suppression, the strategic use of heavy equipment and recent rainfall.



More than 400 firefighters from Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia continued to work on the fire today.



Ground crews continued to nozzle and patrol areas where hose lines have been established, and continue working areas using hand tools.



Infra-red scanning took place, and all identified hotspots were dealt with quickly.



The City of Timmins Forest Fire Information Line: 705-360-8720



Timmins Fire Information Officer: 705 235-1372



Please note: As of 8 a.m. Saturday, June 2, 2012, specifically the west side of Kenogamissi Lake as well as the north end of Mattagami Lake will be allowed to return to the area.



OPP is managing the return.



Residents are reminded to respect the fire area.



Highway 144 will be open to the public at approximately 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 2, 2012.



McKeown Road, Doyle Road, Doyle 13, Kenogamissi Falls Road, Mattagami Lake Road, and access roads for The Cache, Mattagami Haven, and Green Wilderness will be open at that time.



**Please know that an Implementation Order is still in place on a large tract of land west of highway 144 and south of highway 101.



As it applies to highway 101, access remains restricted to Kenogaming Road and Pharand Lake Road.



As it applies to highway 144, access remains restricted to Crothers Road and the Gogama Unit Road as well as a host of other clearly marked roads in keeping with this order.



Kirkland Lake 8 is currently 2,326 hectares in size and is listed as under control.



Infra-red scanning continues on this fire.



Kirkland Lake 13 is currently 696 hectares and is now classified as being held.



Line building and the actioning of hot spots detected by infra-red scans continue.



Manitoba fire rangers have also arrived, and are assisting with efforts on this fire.



Wawa 4 is currently 3,300 hectares and is currently listed as being held.



An additional infra-red scan was being conducted yesterday morning which turned up hot spots that are being actioned.



There are currently 17 active fires in the Northeast Region, burning 47,358.2 hectares.



To date, there have been 259 fires in the region, burning 48,125 hectares.



Fire hazard



The Ministry of Natural Resources wishes to advise the public that a restricted fire zone previously in place for the Northeast Region is now lifted.



Campfires are now allowed for cooking and warmth, but must be tended to at all times.



Keep your campfires small and make sure they are completely extinguished before leaving.



Remember to avoid burning in windy conditions, as fire can quickly spread.



The public is reminded to take extreme caution, as a high hazard still remains specifically in the areas of Sault Ste Marie, Sudbury, North Bay and south of the French River.



The MNR would like to thank the public for their cooperation during this period of escalated fire activity, and a reminder to check with your local municipality for fire bans they may have in place.



For up to date information on the current status of the restricted fire zone, please call the Northeast Region Restricted Fire Information Hotline at 1-866-357-8422.



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