The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is making excellent progress on Red Lake Fire 49.
Information Officer Chris Marchand says some 24 crews managed to knock the blaze near Madsen down from 750 to 552 hectares in size Wednesday.
Crews have had the opportunity to establish hoselines around the fire while water bombers continue to be on alert for air support.
Other highlights:
-Nearly 40 kilometres of hose and 70 pumps are being used on this fire
-800 loads or 5 million litres of water have been dropped on the fire by water bombers
-Highway 105, hydro and communication lines East of the fire have not been impacted
-The hydro line from Red Lake to Madsen was damaged by fire
-Southeast and south winds will put pressure on the northern flank of the fire again Thursday
-Smoke may be prevalent in the community of Red Lake Thursday
-8 helicopters are being used to support crews and heavy equipment while they establish hose lines and cat guards. Helicopters are bucketing on the fire’s edge
Strategic Plan for Thursday
-Continue to establish and consolidate hose line on the all flanks of the fire
-Heavy Equipment to continue guard from Wales Lake to Faulkenham Lake on the south flank
-Structural protection to monitor and test set-ups
Weather forecast
-Rain and storms are expected on Thursday, towards evening. Winds will be southerly at 15-20km/hr with RH’s above 60% with winds gusting up to 40km/hr. Rain and storms may continue into Friday.
A major forest fire in @RedlakeOntario has resulted in a declaration of emergency and evacuation of residents in the area. Residents who are able to self-evacuate are encouraged to do so and should register online with the municipality. For details, visit: https://t.co/vZJMoZ8HF0 pic.twitter.com/MgDvivLCTg
— Ontario Warnings (@OntarioWarnings) August 12, 2020
