Winds blowing south have brought heavy forest fire smoke, blanketing the Thunder Bay, Atikokan, Greenstone, and Lake Superior north shore areas.
The smoky conditions on Friday are a result of active fires burning near Ogoki Lake, which prompted Environment Canada to issue special air quality statements.
Environment Canada warning preparedness meteorologist Peter Kimbell indicated the smoke is likely to stick around for a little while.
“It won't really improve until probably [Saturday] afternoon, maybe [Saturday] evening when northeasterly winds and a bit of rain should blow it to the southwest,” Kimbell told CKPR Radio.
Kimbell suggested the air quality advisories could extend to the Dryden and Kenora areas as the smoke moves southwest.
Provincial fire information officer Alison Bezubiak said crews are keeping a close eye on extreme fire behaviours as “they will be putting off more smoke which will contribute to the smoke that we are seeing in areas of the Northwest region.”
With the forecast calling for rain for the northern region, Bezubiak is hopeful that will help with fire suppression.
“We have seen fire conditions somewhat levelling out across the northwest region over the last week or so thanks to some of the precipitation that we have received. But we do still have a number of active wildland fires here in the Northwest region that we are staying vigilant on,” Bezubiak said.
Currently, there are 34 active fires in the Northwest Region. Eight of these fires are not under control, four fires are under control, three are being held and 19 fires are being observed.
Of the notable fires, one is located west of Ogoki Lake and is just over 15,000 hectares. Another fire near Ogoki Lake is nearly 2,900 hectares fire and is also contributing to the smoky conditions.
Another fire burning north of Cat Lake First Nation remains about 16,000 hectares, however the ministry said it does not pose a threat to the community and suppression efforts are taking place on the southern end, while the northern section is being monitored.
A 16,000-hectare fire is burning about 50 kilometres north of Lac Seul First Nation. On Thursday, helicopter suppression on that fire was suspended due to heavy smoke.
The largest fire in the northwest is on the western edge of Wabakimi Provincial Park, which is now over 41,000 hectares.
Bezubiak said the province has received support from Manitoba and Minnesota, which have each contributed aircraft.
“Aerial suppression is taking place daily on our priority fires by way of air attack with CL 415 water bombers and bucketing support from helicopters. Heavy equipment is also being utilized to set up dozer guards around fire perimeters,” Bezubiak said.
Additionally, over 100 firefighters from Mexico have made an impact in aiding provincial crews in fighting the active wildfiress in the northwest, according to Bezubiak.
“Having this international support is definitely a benefit to us and we, whenever are able, like to reciprocate that through our mutual aid sharing resources agreements. We're very appreciative of the international support that we do have here in Ontario right now,” Bezubiak said.
From the files of Sheri Leviski-Kotyk, CKPR Radio