Woodland Caribou - Recent Forest Fires

[Quew]

July 23, 2018

ATTENTION: Woodland Caribou Provincial Park (WCPP) users and stakeholders

NO ADDITIONAL CLOSURES - same as July 22 post above

As previously communicated, WCPP and Ontario is under significant fire load. WCPP is experiencing significant smoke activity, which will create poor air quality and reduced visibility.
Due to the danger posed by numerous wildfires, canoe routes have been CLOSED. Closed routes are subject to change as threat increases or diminishes. A route closure map may be obtained by contacting the Ontario Park office in Red Lake at (807) 727-1388.

One Outpost Camp to be evacuated morning of July 24/2018 due to fire risk

If you have an Outpost Camp on one of the lakes listed above, Ontario Parks considers these to be at HIGH RISK and accessing these locations is not recommended. Outposts / camp owners on these lakes are NOT restricted at this time

 

[Quew]

ATTENTION: Woodland Caribou Provincial Park (WCPP) users and stakeholders

NO ADDITIONAL CLOSURES - same as July 22 post above

As previously communicated, WCPP and Ontario is under significant fire load. WCPP is experiencing significant smoke activity, which will create poor air quality and reduced visibility.
Due to the danger posed by numerous wildfires, canoe routes have been CLOSED. Closed routes are subject to change as threat increases or diminishes. A route closure map may be obtained by contacting the Ontario Park office in Red Lake at (807) 727-1388.

One Outpost Camp to be evacuated morning of July 24/2018 due to fire risk

If you have an Outpost Camp on one of the lakes listed above, Ontario Parks considers these to be at HIGH RISK and accessing these locations is not recommended. Outposts / camp owners on these lakes are NOT restricted at this time

 

[Quew]

July 23, 2018

ATTENTION: Woodland Caribou Provincial Park (WCPP) users and stakeholders


NO ADDITIONAL CLOSURES

As previously communicated, WCPP and Ontario is under significant fire load. WCPP is experiencing significant smoke activity, which will create poor air quality and reduced visibility.
Due to the danger posed by numerous wildfires, canoe routes have been CLOSED. Closed routes are subject to change as threat increases or diminishes. A route closure map may be obtained by contacting the Ontario Park office in Red Lake at (807) 727-1388.

Additionally, the following Lakes have been CLOSED to backcountry paddlers:
1. Larus Lake
2. Sabourin Lake
3. Barclay Lake
4. Musclow Lake
5. Marys Lake
6. Gammon Lake
7. Royd Lake
8. Donald Lake
9. Hammerhead
10. Dowsell
11. Rostoul
12. Hansen
13. Wanda
14. Thicketwood
15. Murdock
16. Irvine
17. Simeon
18. Dustan
19. Lightning
20. Talon
21. Bilko
22. Silvia
23. Landing Crane
24. Blueberry
25. Sydney
26. Rowdy
27. Craven
28. Ford
29. Artery
30. Bloodvein (Manitoba)

Ontario Parks will be monitoring these areas.

One Outpost Camp to be evacuated morning of July 24/2018 due to fire risk

If you have an Outpost Camp on one of the lakes listed above, Ontario Parks considers these to be at HIGH RISK and accessing these locations is not recommended. Outposts / camp owners on these lakes are NOT restricted at this time

 

[Quew]

July 23, 2018

ATTENTION: Woodland Caribou Provincial Park (WCPP) users and stakeholders

NO ADDITIONAL CLOSURES today - above closures remain

One Outpost Camp to be evacuated morning of July 24/2018 due to fire risk

General summary of fire situation
Fire behaviour increasing
Red 097 is currently 1.5km to the west of Murdock Lake
Red 096 fire has moved 2/3 along the southern shore of Gammon Lake.
Red 086 Ignition line continues to hold and eastern spread has not occurred as of yet.
Red 081 - minimal behaviour
Red 076 - minimal behaviour
Red 103 - minimal behaviour
Red 108 - minimal behaviour
Manitoba fire is 7km from entering into Ontario
3 new fires in the Red Lake district
closed canoe routes were flown today

Questions or concerns please contact the park office at (807) 727-1329

 

[Quew]

ATTENTION: Woodland Caribou Provincial Park (WCPP) users and stakeholders

NO ADDITIONAL CLOSURES

WCPP and Ontario is under significant fire load. WCPP is experiencing significant smoke activity, which will create poor air quality and reduced visibility. Due to the danger posed by numerous wildfires, some canoe routes have been CLOSED. Closed routes are subject to change as threat increases or diminishes. Please refer to the attached map.

Outposts / Camp Owners and Guests:
Ontario Parks considers the lakes listed above to be at HIGH RISK and accessing these locations is not recommended. You are NOT restricted at this time - but evacuations are the responsibility of the user; Ontario Parks and Aviation Forest Fire Emergency Services (AFFES) will NOT assume responsibility for the user.

One outpost camp was evacuated on the morning of July 24/2018 due to fire risk.

General summary of fire situation:
Fire behaviour increasing
Western half of WCPP did receive some rainfall - minimal -
Red 097 is currently just west of Murdock Lake - head of the fire was 100% flame and burning through Red 124 from 2011
Red 096 fire has moved 2/3 along the southern shore of Gammon Lake - minimal activity
Red 086 Ignition line continues to hold and eastern spread has not occurred as of yet.
Red 081 - minimal behaviour
Red 076 - minimal behaviour
Red 103 - minimal behaviour
Red 108 - minimal behaviour
Red 077 - minimal behaviour
Red 079 - UCO
Manitoba fire is 7km from entering into Ontario
Smoke was drifting into Red Lake and from fires 50km from community
2 new fires in the Red Lake district (one being on the west end of Red Lake)

==================================================================

Additional Information:

 

[Quew]

ATTENTION: Woodland Caribou Provincial Park (WCPP) users and stakeholders
NO ADDITIONAL CLOSURES

We got rain... and rain is a GOOD thing. Total rainfall amounts are unknown at this time and will be calculated in the morning of July 26/2018.

Until fires can be assessed and fire growth predictions based on fuel conditions and forecasted weather are completed by Aviation Forest Fire Emergency Services (AFFES) routes will remain CLOSED to ensure public safety. See attached map for reference.

Outpost Camp Owners and Guests:
If you have an Outpost Camp on one of the lakes listed above, Ontario Parks considers these to be at HIGH RISK and accessing these locations is not recommended. Access is not restricted at this time

 

[Quew]

ATTENTION: Woodland Caribou Provincial Park (WCPP) users and stakeholders:

WCPP receive good precipitation July 25, 2018.
Total rainfall amounts were enough to minimize growth for 2-5 days
Fires were assessed yesterday and it was determined to allow another day of drying to ensure proper decisions are made to ensure public safety.

Route closures remain in effect.

General summary of fire situation:

 

[Quew]

July 28, 2018

Closures will remain in effect over the weekend for public safety. There are a few canoe routes to possibly re-open on Monday. Fire personnel do not want to commit until they see what fire behaviour is observed over the weekend . They will be monitoring closely and advise.

 

[Jim Dodd]

Thanks Quew !
Great Reporting !

Jim

 

[Quew]

July 28, 2018

ROUTE CLOSURES STILL IN EFFECT
Closures will remain in effect over the weekend to allow AFFES to assess the growth potential. Rain has been received in WCPP, but minimal and recovery will be fast given current weather conditions. Lightning storm occurred July 28/2018

General summary of fire situation

 

[Quew]

July 30[SUP]th[/SUP], 2018

ATTENTION: Woodland Caribou Provincial Park (WCPP) users and stakeholders
CLOSURES REMAIN IN EFFECT

WCPP and Ontario remains under a significant fire load. WCPP may be experiencing significant smoke activity, which creates poor air quality and reduced visibility. Closures will remain in effect until it is determined that risk is minimized to human safety. Rain has been received in the area, but it has been minimal and recovery will be fast given current weather conditions.

General summary of fire situation:
Fire behaviour increasing
Lightning event passed through the district as well as WCPP yesterday - July 30/2018
WCPP received minimal rain - 3-5 day forecast is indicating minimal rain
1 new fire in the WCPP
Conditions were smoky in the park
Red 097 - eastern side near Murdock active, may join with Red 096
Red 086 - behaviour increasing
Red 096 - quiet on south end, behaviour increasing on north end, may join with Red 097
Red 103 - minimal growth
Red 108 - minimal growth
Red 076 - minimal growth
Red 081 - minimal growth
Red 148 - fire being held by crews
Red 155 - new fire - pending resources, action unknown at this time
Red 077 - crews continue to consolidate lines
Manitoba fire - 31000 ha - continues to be responded to.
Value protection on key values remain intact and utilized when required.
6 new fires in the Red Lake district today


NOTE: Firefighting crews continue to professionally work extremely hard at extinguishing existing and new fires. Thank you for your continued efforts and dedication.

 

[Quew]

August 1, 2018

ATTENTION: Woodland Caribou Provincial Park (WCPP) users and stakeholders

IMPORTANT NOTICES
As previously communicated, WCPP and Ontario is under significant fire load. WCPP is experiencing smoke activity which is associated with active fires in the area. The smoke generated by the fires is dependent on the direction of wind relative to the fire. For more information regarding wildfire smoke and air quality visit - https://www.canada.ca/en/environment...ire-smoke.html

Opening of lakes is associated with REDUCED risk - risk has NOT been eliminated.

• Fires are active and have not been declared OUT.
• Fires are being monitored daily and conditions may change related to weather and fuel types.
• New starts are always a possibility during fire season.
• Opened lakes are subject to change as conditions may change.

 

[Quew]

August 7, 2018​

The opening of lakes is based on the CURRENT fire situation and where it has been determined there is a REDUCED RISK.

• Large fires are active and have not been declared OUT within WCPP.
• Fires are being monitored daily and conditions may change related to weather and fuel types.
• New starts are always a possibility during fire season.
• Paddling on closed routes is in violation of O.Reg 347/07, Sec 8(1)(2) pursuant to Provincial Park Conservation and Reserves Act (PPCRA) https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/070347?search=45%2F14
• Closures will remain in effect until it is determined that the risk to human safety has been minimized.
• Opened lakes are subject change as conditions may change.

Canoeists:
Paddling through a recent burnt area can be a very unique experience as new boreal forest growth emerges. Please ensure your safety. BE PREPARED. Fire activity and potential for new fire starts exists, the forest fire threat is real.

To ensure a safe and successful trip if accessing recently opened routes

 

[Quew]

August 9, 2018

Posted is an updated Route Closure Map for your reference. Paddling through a recent burnt area can be a very unique experience as new boreal forest growth emerges. Please ensure your safety. BE PREPARED. Fire activity and potential for new fire starts always exists, the forest fire threat is real.

 

[Quew]

WCPP STAKEHOLDERS AND WCPP ENTHUSIASTS

As of 00:01 hrs CST on August 16th, a RESTRICTED FIRE ZONE will be in effect for Zones 2 (WCPP), 3, 6, 7, 8, & 10 in the Northwest Region until further notice. It is illegal to set a fire for any purpose within the affected area.

Failure to comply may lead to
1. Fine of up to $25,000
2. 3 months in jail
3. Financial responsibility for any costs incurred in fighting a forest fire


What does mean to you?
1. CAN NOT have campfires (even in outdoor fire grate, fire place or fire pit)
2. CAN NOT burn grass or woody debris
3. CAN NOT use burn barrels
4. CAN use a gas stove (1 metre away from any flammable material)
5. CAN use a gas stove (1 metre away from any flammable material)
6. CAN use a portable liquid fuel or gas stove that can be turned off easily by closing a valve or lid (1 metre away from any flammable material)


For more information visit - https://www.ontario.ca/page/outdoor-fire-restrictions


Ontario remains under significant fire load.WCPP has over 23000 ha of fire on the landscape which is being monitored and not supressed. Currently WCPP is experiencing smoke activity which is associated with active fires in the area as well as fires in British Columbia.

 

[Quew]

Important Notice

As of 00:01 hrs CST on August 16[SUP]th[/SUP], a RESTRICTED FIRE ZONE is in effect for Zones 2 (WCPP), 3, 6, 7, 8, & 10 in the Northwest Region until further notice.
It is illegal to set a fire for any purpose within the affected area.
Failure to comply may lead to
1. Fine of up to $25,000
2. 3 months in jail
3. Financial responsibility for any costs incurred in fighting a forest fire

What does mean to you?
1. CAN NOT have campfires (even in outdoor fire grate, fire place or fire pit)
2. CAN NOT burn grass or woody debris
3. CAN NOT use burn barrels
4. CAN use a gas stove (1 metre away from any flammable material)
5. CAN use a gas stove (1 metre away from any flammable material)
6. CAN use a portable liquid fuel or gas stove that can be turned off easily by closing a valve or lid (1 metre away from any flammable material)

For more information visit - https://www.ontario.ca/page/outdoor-fire-restrictions
As previously communicated, Ontario is under significant fire load.
WCPP has over 23000 ha of fire on the landscape which is being monitored and not supressed. The park is experiencing smoke activity which is associated with active fires in the area as well as fires in British Columbia. This leads to poor visibility over the park at times.

 

[Quew]

WCPP STAKEHOLDERS AND WCPP ENTHUSIASTS
General summary of fire situation:
-Rain was received on WCPP fires last night.
-Varying amounts of 20mm

 

[Quew]

August 23, 2018
WCPP STAKEHOLDERS AND WCPP ENTHUSIASTS
General summary of fire situation

 

[Quew]

August 23, 2018

WCPP STAKEHOLDERS AND WCPP ENTHUSIASTS
General summary of fire situation

 

[Quew]

Currently WCPP is experiencing smoke activity ​

AND IS INCREASING

. Some is associated with active fires in the area as well as fires in British Columbia. This led to poorer visibility over the park today. The smoke generated by the fires is dependent on the direction of wind relative to the fire.​

The opening of lakes is based on the ​

CURRENT

fire situation and where it has been determined there is a ​

REDUCED RISK

. ​

Large fires are active and have not been declared OUT within WCPP. ​

Fires are being monitored daily and conditions may change related to weather and fuel types.​

New starts are always a possibility during fire season.​

Paddling on closed routes is in violation of O.Reg 347/07, Sec 8(1)(2) pursuant to Provincial Park Conservation and Reserves Act (PPCRA) ​

​

The following lakes are ​

CLOSED​

to backcountry paddlers​

1. Gammon Lake​

2. Royd Lake​

3. Donald Lake​

4. Hammerhead​

5. Murdock​

6. Irvine​

7. SIMEON - NEW​

8. DUNSTAN - NEW​

9. WANDA - NEW​

10. Bloodvein River in Manitoba is OPENED​