Firefighters making progress with forest fires across Ontario

TORONTO — Rain and unwavering efforts by firefighters have led to progress in the battle against forest fires in northern Ontario.

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources said Tuesday that there has been a slight decrease in the number of fires raging across the province.

The biggest fire in the northeast is no longer out of control.

Fire information officer Shayne McCool said as of Tuesday afternoon there are 120 active fires, including 76 in the northwest region and 44 in the northeast.

McCool said the largest fire in the northeast, known as North Bay 72 and burning about 30 kilometres west of Temiskaming Shores, is no longer out of control.

He said the blaze hasn’t grown and is now classified as “being held.”

McCool said that means the fire is one classification away from being under control.

The blaze began on July 8 and covers about 272 square kilometres. McCool said the rain and lack of wind will help contain the blaze.

Another large fire, dubbed Parry Sound 33, is about 113 square kilometres and remains out of control.

However, the ministry said crews now have hose lines around the perimeter of the fire.

An evacuation order for residents of several communities in the French River area remains in effect as do numerous travel restrictions.