Friday’s scattered rainfall helped crews make “good progress’ on forest fires burning in the Northeast Region.

That’s the word from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, although they also say it will only provide modest relief over the next couple of days.

As of last night (Friday), there are 52 active fires in the Northeast.

North Bay 72 originated in Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park and has gone beyond the park boundary.

It’s currently the largest fire burning in the region at nearly 11-thousand hectares.

Well over 200 fire fighters and support staff from out-of-province, including two from Minnesota, are assisting with the forest fire situation.

Residents of 20 homes in Temagami have been allowed to return after being evacuated earlier this week.

Mayor Lorie Hunter says 19 active forest fires are still burning near the community.

She says the entire town is watching the situation and people know they could be asked to leave again.

 

Go to Ontario.ca.forestfire for more information

(with files from Canadian Press)

Filed under: forest-fires