The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says there were 43 active forest fires in the Northeast as of Friday night.

13 are not yet under control.

The ministry says there are priority fires they’re working on in in the River Valley Cluster, the fire that started in the Lady Evelyn Smoothwater Provincial Park and Parry Sound 33.

Two North Bay fires in the River Valley Cluster are out while the other is under control.

A North Bay fire in the Lady Evelyn cluster is 27,000 hectares in size and is not under control.

The Parry Sound fire is 7,200 hectares in size and the fire is not under control.

( photo was taken by Dan Leonard. It was taken over the Parry Sound 33 fire after a successful ignition operation)

Meantime, the North Bay-Parry Sound District Health Unit says if you’re concerned about air quality due to the forest fire smoke there are precautions you can take.

You should check the air quality health index through the Ministry of The Environment.

The Manager of Environmental Health says children, seniors and pregnant women are especially vulnerable.

Tips include moving to a less smoky area.

He says that includes indoors or outdoors with an increased clean air flow. If it’s too hot indoors use a fan or turn on your air conditioning.

Another tip is to stay hydrated.

Also, if its smoky outside, reduce physical activity and don’t use wood stoves and candles.

 

Filed under: air quality, Northeast Region forest fires