A total fire ban remains in effect in Madawaska Valley, as many large forest fires wreak havoc on the wider region.
Fire Chief Corwin Quade says it’s important that residents follow the rules. They mean that no open-air burning, including campfires, is permitted. Portable gas or propane stoves may be used for cooking and warmth, but must be handled with extreme caution. All burning permits are suspended.
Quade says, with large forest fires occurring nearby – such as in Griffith and in Algonquin Park – the region’s fire resources are stretched thin. Madawaska Valley wouldn’t have extra support if a local fire were to swirl out of control. He says the ban will be in place until we have some wet weather.
“Until we get a sufficient amount of rain, it’s going to be a total lockdown,” he said. “We need a couple days of good, hard, heavy rain. A shower won’t do it, because the wind will dry it out too quick.”
Quade says, for the most part, Madawaska Valley residents have been co-operative with the fire ban and there were no serious issues over the weekend.
Fire near Griffith forcing evacuations
Precautionary evacuation orders are now in place around the Centennial Lake fire near Griffith.
Those areas include Black Mountain Estates, Little Bay Lane, Airds Lake Road, and Sniders Tent and Trailer Park.
The Township of Greater Madawaska says it in coordination with the OPP have evacuated the surrounding areas of seasonal residents with a 24-hour evacuation notice.
Greater Madawaska Fire and the MNRF are working together to assess the size of the fire and coordinate the use of water bombers to fight it.
The fire was reported on an island on Centennial Lake on Sunday afternoon, and it spread to shore. It is estimated the fire is now 50 hectares in size. A total fire ban remains in effect throughout the township with no open air burning allowed.
Smoke could cause breathing problems
It could be a difficult couple of days for people with breathing issues.
Smoke from more than 150 wildfires in Quebec is making its way into the area with Environment Canada warning of widespread smoke this afternoon and tomorrow.
The weather agency has issued a special air quality statement and warns it will likely be a concern all day Monday and Tuesday.
People with lung problems, the elderly, and children are being told to limit their time outside and reduce activity if breathing becomes uncomfortable or if you feel unwell.