The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says as of Monday evening there were 68 active forest fires in the Northeast Region.

A restricted fire zone remains in place.

Ontario Parks says about 450 campers were safely evacuated from Finlayson Point and Marten River provincial parks, which will remain closed for the time being.

On Sunday, residents of 20 homes near Temagami were evacuated due to concern about forest fires.

Others in that area are on alert.

OPP are asking the motoring public to avoid travelling between North Bay and Temiskaming on Highway 11.

At last check, the highway is open.

Police also say people have been stopping their vehicles and taking pictures of the fire and smoke and they want motorists to stop doing that, to keep traffic moving.

Boaters are being advised to stay off Lake Temagami so water bombers can land and have access to the water on the lake for suppression efforts.

(With files from The Canadian Press)

Photo courtesy @OPP_NER on Twitter

Filed under: FOREST FIRES