Timmins 9 forest fire expected to spread as dry weather returns this week

Timmins 9 wildfire is still more than 3,100 hectares and still threatens Mattagami First Nation. Evacuees unlikely to be able to return this week.

Residents of Mattagami First Nation in northern Ontario are being told not to expect to return home this week as the massive forest fire that forced them to evacuate is still not under control.

Officials with Ontario Forest Fires said Timmins 9 now covers 3,154 hectares — a slight reduction from its peak size last week after a weekend of rain.

However, hot and dry conditions are expected for at least the next two days.

“Fifteen Ontario FireRanger crews and a 20-person incident management team are dedicated to this fire,” said the June 7 update.

Building control lines

“Bucketing helicopters continue to support ground crews, while heavy equipment is constructing control lines in priority areas.”

Curtis Fowler, fire chief in Mattagami First Nation, said in his update that the return of dry weather means Timmins 9 could start to spread again.

“Evacuee return is not expected this week due to ongoing conditions and active suppression work,” Fowler said.

“The amount of equipment, hose and sprinkler systems in place means the community must remain limited to essential personnel. These systems will stay in place until the fire no longer poses a threat to the community.”

A travel ban has been imposed in areas near the fire since June 2, covering the use of the Gogama Unit Road from Highway 144 to the Pineland Road intersection.

In addition, use of the trail behind the Old Vagabond Restaurant is also prohibited, along with the use of Kenetogami Lake Road off Highway 144 and Tatachikapika Lake Road, also off Highway 144.

“Wildland fires are drone-free zones — don’t fly drones within 9.3 kilometres of a wildland fire,” the update said.

“Flying drones near active fires puts the safety and lives of pilots, firefighters and emergency workers at risk. It’s dangerous and illegal.”

Also June 7, Ontario Forest Fires said there were two new fires confirmed in the northeast.

Sudbury 10 is a 0.2-hectare fire located on the north shore of Agnew Lake. This fire is not under control. Timmins 12 is a 0.5-hectare fire located one kilometre southwest of Kaneki Lake. It’s also not under control.

“At the time of this update, there are seven active wildland fires in the Northeast Region,” the update said.

“Of those fires, three are not under control, two are being held and two are under control.”

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