Ontario wildfires burn through northwest part of province

Ontario has designated the province’s northwest area a restricted fire zone after more than 100 wildfires spread throughout the area.
As of July 18, 103 active fires were burning in the northern part of Ontario. Twenty new fires started on July 17.
Smoke on the ground continued to create issues for many First Nations communities. Approximately 200 people were evacuated from Kee-way-win First Nation, and evacuations are underway for Fort Hope, North Spirit Lake First Nation and Sandy Lake First Nation.
“Over 30 new fires are expected [on July 19] as a result of last night’s active weather travelling down from Dryden into the eastern regions,” a Ministry of Natural Resources release says.
“The dry, hot weather is expected to continue for the next several days, and the fire hazard is reaching extremely high in the northwest, and pockets of southern Ontario.”
Last year, 751 forest fires were reported in Ontario. To date, 515 have been reported in 2011.