UPDATE MON., MAY 29: As predicted, the hot, dry weather has pushed the forest fire danger rating right across our region into the high and extreme ranges.
Fortunately, only one fire has sparked up so far, and it’s a small one.
The blaze southeast of Timmins, south of the junction of Hwys. 144 and 560, was reported late Sunday afternoon. As of Monday afternoon, it’s being held at only two hectares in size.
With a weather forecast that thrusts our region into summer the next several days, the natural resources ministry thinks its quiet forest fire season so far is about to take a turn.
Media relations specialist Kyle Hayward says in our region so far, there have only been 15 fires, burning 36.4 hectares of trees. That’s attributed to low temperatures and a lot of rain and snow.
The forest fire hazard between Timmins and Hearst is currently low to moderate.
“Of course, this is going to increase over these next consecutive days of warming temperatures” Hayward states,”I think upwards of 25 (or) 30 degrees and low likelihood of precipitation.”
Hayward says the current forest fire hazard rating for this region is low to moderate. He’s expecting that to climb.
“There’s a very good possibility of it getting into the extreme range when we go at least two to three days without any rain.”
Hayward adds that the ministry will be keeping a close eye on weather, the map and hazard potential.