FOREST FIRES

With smoke blanketing Southern Ontario and the Northeast US, it might seem as though most of Northern Ontario is on fire. Understandably, we’re receiving questions about the forest fire situation in Temagami. People want to know what the conditions are now, and what they are likely to be later in the summer.

While we’re not meteorologists and we don’t have a crystal ball, we are attentive to current conditions and know where to get good information.

Current Conditions

Fire risk: Temagami is currently at low risk for forest fires thanks to cooler temperatures and recent, ongoing rainfall.

Fire ban: Temagami has been under a fire ban since June 1, meaning campfires are prohibited. Cooking on a portable gas stove is still permitted.

Active fires: There is currently one forest fire in the Temagami region; KLK005 south of Elk Lake.

Park closures: Due to risks posed by KLK005, Ontario Parks has closed Makobe-Greys River Provincial Park and parts of Lady-Evelyn Smoothwater Provincial Park, including Anvil, Hobart, and Tupper Lakes (Maple Mountain access). We’ll keep you updated as we learn of changes to closures.

Air quality: Temagami’s current air quality is excellent. Ontario’s Air Quality Health Index rates it as Level 1, meaning it poses the lowest possible risk to health. (By comparison, air quality in the GTA is currently a Level 4 health risk.) That means even people with heart and breathing problems are encouraged to enjoy their usual outdoor activities in Temagami.

Resources: To keep tabs on fire conditions in Temagami, we encourage you to visit the following websites.

MNR Forest Fire Info Map
An interactive map showing the locations of active fires in Ontario, along with information such as their size and ignition source. Also shows current fire restrictions across the province.

Ontario Air Quality Health Index
An interactive map showing air quality ratings throughout the province.

Smoke Forecast
An interactive map predicting the movement and severity of smoke from regional fires.

Future Conditions

Monthly forecasts indicate that Temagami’s forest fire risk will fall to moderate in July and August.

Monthly and Seasonal Fire Forecast Map
A visualization of fire risk according to various metrics. Compare the Forecast Severity Rating to the Forecast Severity Anomaly to get an idea of risk in a particular area.

Updates

If/when significant changes occur, we will send further updates. In the meantime, please visit the links above for an ongoing picture of fire conditions in Temagami.