WHITE RIVER — Efforts to control a wildfire that had been burning near White River for the past two weeks have reached a milestone.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry's aviation, forest fire and emergency services section is now categorizing the Wawa 03 fire as being held, as of Sunday.
“That’s the best news I’ve had in two weeks,” White River Mayor Tara Anderson Hart said.
Hart said there is a sense of calm among residents since the ministry mobilized and installed fire suppression equipment within town limits.
The fire started on May 27 along Highway 17 east of White River, where the ministry quickly dispatched crews.
The firefighting efforts currently involve two helicopters, one wildland fire engine, and 11 fire crews, where they’ll monitor the perimeter as the fire continues to decrease.
The Chapleau-Wawa District Implementation Order is still in effect until further notice all travel and use of the specific road is prohibited unless authorized by a travel permit.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
With files from Al Cresswell, CFNO Radio