Timmins Update

The Timmins 9 forest fire near Gogama in northeastern Ontario grew today to over 29,000 hectares.

The sky has been ominous with smoke in Timmins this afternoon prompting officials to issue a special weather statement due to the widespread smoke in the air.  Anyone is respiratory problems is being urged to stay indoors.  The smoke is also blowing blanketing Gogama and north into Cochrane.

The west end of Timmins is currently under a state of emergency due to the poor air quality.

It is possible that the fire will cross Highway 144 tonight, and possibly Highway 101, as the wind pushes the fire towards Timmins.

Residents in the areas south of Hydro Bay to north of Lamotte Lake Road are currently being evacuated. This includes the areas east of Kenogamissi.

The Mattagami First Nation has declared an emergency and 118 residents have been evacuated to Kapuskasing.

More fires are starting in today’s dry, windy conditions.  The new Timmins fire 13 is already 2.5 ha.  The wind is expected to change tomorrow and there is a chance of thunderstorms in the morning.

Kirkland Lake Update

A new fire broke out 25 km south of Kirkland Lake this afternoon in the Hough Lake area.  The fire grew from 3 to 30 hectares in very short order. The Ontario Provincial Police started evacuating residents in the area.   Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources crews attacked the fire with water bombers and helicopters, bringing the fire under control.  Highway 11 and 112 were closed for a part of this afternoon, but both have reopened.  The evacuated residents will be notified soon if they can return home.

Schools are closed tomorrow in the Kirkland Lake area as a precautionary measure.