Janice Pease (315)328-5793 [email protected] 130 Beebe Rd, Potsdam, N.Y. 13676

July 27, 2018

Via Email

Honorable Kathleen H. Burgess, Secretary to the PSC Re: Case 16- F-0268, Application of Atlantic Wind LLC for a certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need Pursuant to Article 10 for Construction of the North Ridge Wind Energy Project in the Towns of Parishville and Hopkinton, St. Lawrence County.

Dear Secretary Burgess: Fires have made the headlines across the country in the last few years. Wind facilities are contributing to & exacerbating the fire danger we are experiencing due to hot weather and dry conditions. Actions by the wind companies demonstrate their apparent lack of respect for the land and people. These corporations are not using appropriate precautions to avoid loss of forested areas, private property, habitat, and wild life. A major forest fire broke out around July 23rd on the eastern shores of . The fire engulfed 5,600 hectares/ 13837.9 acres of land… and is growing. 6,760 hectares as of 7/27 = 16,704.32 “Potentially” responsible is the U.S.-based Pattern Energy Group who is developing the provinces largest wind facility, Henvey Inlet First Nation wind facility, in , CA. At the time of the fire there was a region-wide fire ban due to the dry conditions. According to workers on the construction crews, the company has been pushing them to work seven-day work weeks and potentially nights as well. The workers say there have been numerous fires earlier in the week due to blasting of rock and the use of heavy equipment. The crews were not equip to deal with a major fire and it rapidly got out of hand. The fire is still out of control, people are being evacuated, and this situation dire for many in that region. Officials have named the fire the Parry Sound No.33. While the construction workers have confirmed the fire’s origin the officials and press are not entertaining “speculation”, despite report by citizens who saw smoke earlier in the construction zone earlier in the weak.

This is just the most recent example of a huge issue facing communities sited for or already hosting turbines. Fire is a very real risk. Profit is the driving force behind these projects, not sustainability, green energy, environmental concerns, climate control, or any of the other things they use other advertisements. If the environment was their inspiration for these giant industrial factories, they wouldn’t build them out of non recyclable plastic, use rare minerals, put them near forested regions, do construction during a burn ban, or any of the other environmentally hazardous practices they do. I sincerely hope that any official charged with approving a project or siting it will inform themselves on the very real risk of fire. We cannot afford more human error leading to loss of our precious carbon sinks, wildlife habitat, and incredible beauty. Articles attached: • Massive Ontario forest fire sparked by wind farm construction during extreme fire ban, workers allege

• MNRF investigating cause of devastating Parry Sound 33 forest fire • UPDATE: Parry Sound 33 fire expands to more than 6,500 hectares • Northern fire update Friday, July 27th

Respectfully, Janice Pease Janice Pease

*electronically signed CBC

CBC INVESTIGATES Massive Ontario forest fire sparked by wind farm construction during extreme fire ban, workers allege

Investigation underway into blaze devouring park, which started on Henvey Inlet First Nation

Dave Seglins · CBC News · Posted: Jul 24, 2018 4:00 AM ET | Last Updated: 38 minutes ago

CBC News obtained this photo taken Wednesday of the Henvey Inlet construction site where workers say the fire began after a machine got stuck in bone-dry bush. (Name withheld by request)

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is investigating whether construction crews building a major wind-turbine project on the eastern shores of Georgian Bay amidst tinder-dry conditions caused a forest fire that is now devouring more than 5,600 hectares of land. The fire started last Wednesday on Henvey Inlet First Nation at the site of the province's largest wind project, where crews are blasting rock and clearing land to erect dozens of wind turbines.

Track the latest forest fire updates in our live blog

Despite "extreme fire hazard" conditions and a region-wide fire ban, a number of workers say crews continued to blast rock and use heavy machinery that had set off several small fires earlier last week. The workers asked CBC News to withhold their names out of fear of losing their jobs.

Q&A Wildfires: The science of how they spread and how they're stopped

But on Wednesday, things got out of control.

"We heard on two-way radios that there was an Argo [an all-terrain vehicle] that broke down in the bush where the fire began," one worker said.

"During the week, as we proceeded through work, there were fires that started up from our machines … little fires," he said. "But this one started and it was too big for [workers] to control. And it got out of hand and it turned into devastation."

Parry Sound 33 fire chars 5,000 hectares, pushes people out of Henvey Inlet and Key River area

A second worker told CBC News he was equipped with a 20-litre fire suppression "piss pack" but it was no match for the blaze that broke out Wednesday. Smoke from a forest fire is seen at the Hartley Bay Marina in Alban, Ont., near the French River Provincial Park. (James Palmer/Canadian Press)

The workers said their bosses were pushing for seven-day work weeks and were also considering night shifts to keep up with the project developer's schedule.

"They were still blasting every day, sometimes two or three shots a day," one worker said, despite the extreme fire-hazard conditions. "We've had fires start off beside blasting mats, but it still went on every day.

Wildfire threat prompts evacuations in

"I think that the job should be shut down," he said. "I think those that knew the consequence of this [and] just kept going and ignored the problem at hand ... should be held responsible for this."

Investigation into 'human' cause Provincial officials have named the fire Parry Sound No. 33, and Ontario's forest fire information website initially listed the cause as "human."

But by the weekend, the flames spread to about 48 square kilometres, forcing hundreds of canoe trippers, cottagers and residents to evacuate the region, including Henvey Inlet First Nation, the Key River and the nearby French River Provincial Park.

Forest fire comparison As of July 24, 2018

gwapikopa Lake

© Kenora

©F'-‘arry Sound

PARRY SOUND 33 NIPIGON 30 [Wapikopa Lake} 5,612 hectares 32,8505 hectares UUI DI CUHIFUL UUI DI CUHIFUL

W59KENORA 71 TIMMINS 10,887 hectares 39,540 hectares Out of control 2012 fire

ugonews SOURCE: Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Here's how Parry Sound 33 compares to other active fires in the north as well as the big Timmins 9 fire of 2012.

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has since removed mention of the fire's cause.

"That was removed just so, you know, in order to avoid public speculation," said spokesperson Shayne McCool, confirming a more detailed investigation is now underway.

"We're seeing lots on Facebook about speculation … so that cause was removed in order to reduce that speculation. And at this time, the cause is unknown and it is under investigation."

With 28 fires out of control, Ontario gets help from U.S., Mexico, other provinces

The fire is one of the largest among the 55 active forest fires burning across northeastern Ontario. According to MNRF figures, 21 of those are listed as out of control.

Satellite images — partially blocked by cloud and smoke cover — show that the fire has spread north and west into the French River Provincial Park and the eastern outlet of the Pickerel River.

The flames from Parry Sound No. 33 are visible from the air near French River, Ont. The blaze has prompted evacuations and risks threatening Highway 69. (Scott Flamand)

Wind farm developer helping evacuees

The U.S.-based Pattern Energy Group, which is developing the Henvey Inlet wind project, declined to comment on what role its contractors may have played in starting the fire, but a company spokesperson said construction is currently shut down at the site.

"At this point in time, our primary concern is the health and safety of local residents and workers, and the containment of the fire. We are working closely with emergency responders and the MNRF, and have offered housing for evacuees and resources to assist with evacuation, including helicopters," said Matt Dallas in an emailed statement.

After Ministry evacuation order, northern Ontario residents share their stories from the fire

"The cause of the fire is not known, despite rumours and speculation. Pattern Development and the construction contractor, CER, are offering our full assistance with the MNRF as they conduct their investigation," he wrote.

"Regardless of the cause, we are committed to assisting the communities affected," added the company's Toronto-based lawyer Frank Davis.

"Pattern Development is anguished over the devastating wildfires affecting the areas around the Henvey Inlet wind project. As wind project partners with Henvey Inlet First Nation, we are deeply concerned with the effect of these fires on the local communities and are committed to helping in any way we can," Davis told CBC News.

Read the full statement from Pattern Energy below:

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Visitez Radio-Canada.ca MNRF investigating cause of devastating Parry Sound 33 forest fire

globalnews.ca/news/4348372/mnrf-investigating-cause-of-devastating-parry-sound-33-forest-fire

July 24, 2018

Canada July 24, 2018 1:27 pm

Updated: July 25, 2018 8:19 am

By Hannah Jackson Local Online Journalist (Barrie) Global News Forest fires continue to move through northeastern Ontario causing fire restrictions and evacuations in some parts of the province. As Erica Vella reports some people who have watched the flames are say it's left them speechless.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is investigating whether humans caused a devastating fire in northern Ontario.

The fire was first discovered on July 18 and is still raging strong in the Parry Sound area. One of 21 wildfires still considered “not under control,” the fire known as “Parry Sound 33” now covers more than 4,800 hectares of land.

According to the ministry, several of the fires in northern Ontario have been caused by human activity or lightning, but it is unclear what started Parry Sound 33.

“This fire is really large in nature, and it will take some time to determine whether or not the cause of this fire was, in fact, due to human activity or due to lightning fire and so we will continue to investigate,” MNRF spokesperson Shayne McCool said. “As soon as the cause is determined we will release the findings.”

READ MORE: Fire crews continue battling dozens of fires in northeastern Ontario

However, there has been much speculation that the cause of the fire may be man-made.

While officials have not yet confirmed where the fire began, several people within the community believe it may have started on Henvey Inlet First Nation at the site of a wind farm development, where crews had been blasting rock and clearing land to construct wind turbines.

An employee working on the Henvey Inlet wind farm site on July 18 claims an Agro ATV used for construction had broken down in the bush and was ultimately the cause of the fire.

The employee, who asked Global News not to publish his name, says he was on site when the fire began.

1/3 At that time, the fire danger rating in the area was set to extreme, and according to the employee, he had witnessed several smaller fires as a result of equipment use throughout the week.

Similarly, OJ Grolman and her husband, who own a cottage on an island in Georgian Bay, had been monitoring the smoke coming from the Henvey area using powerful binoculars in the weeks leading up to the Parry Sound 33 outbreak.

According to Grolman, she had seen instances of smoke coming from the Henvey area and had been monitoring their frequency and duration. She says she didn’t report any of the preliminary instances of smoke, as she believed they were under control.

However, on July 18, Grolman decided to report a fire after she said the smoke didn’t subside, and the amount of smoke appeared to be much larger than what she had previously seen.

“Usually, their smoke was put out within a while, so on this particular day I watched it for about a half an hour, and I thought, this one is out of control. That’s when I made the call,” she said.

According to Grolman, she called officials at 4:30 p.m. on July 18. She says she was not the first person to report the fire.

Grolman also told officials that she had seen smaller smoke sections coming from that area in the weeks leading up to the larger fire she reported on July 18.

READ MORE: 21 of 55 Ontario forest fires remain out of control, officials say

Pattern Energy Group, the parent company overseeing the wind farm development at Henvey Inlet, did not comment on its potential role in the fire.

Instead, Matt Dallas, a spokesperson for Pattern Energy Group, says its primary concern at this time is assuring the health and safety of residents and workers in the area and providing assistance to the MNRF as it investigates.

“The cause of the fire is not known, despite a lot of rumours and speculation, however there is an investigation by the MNRF that is underway,” he said.

Dallas maintains that workers had been following MNRF guidelines and protocols leading up to and on the day the fire began.

“We follow the MNRF’s protocol and refer to their fire ratings on a daily basis, which dictates what activities we undertake. We have multiple safety and fire prevention measures in place, including equipment placed strategically in the project area to combat fires,” says Dallas.

According to Dallas, construction at the site is currently shut down. However, he says, the company had maintained a normal construction schedule leading up to the fire.

Dallas says Pattern Energy Group is offering full assistance to the MNRF in the investigation.

Now, hundreds of people from the Henvey Inlet First Nation, Key River and the French River 2/3 Provincial Park areas have been evacuated as emergency crews continue to battle the enormous blaze.

Additionally, travel restrictions have been placed on parts of Parry Sound, Sudbury, Pembroke, North Bay, Kirkland Lake and Kenora due to the fires.

Travel restrictions in parts of Parry Sound, Sudbury, Pembroke, North Bay, Kirkland Lake and Kenora districts due to forest fires. Please visit https://t.co/hjyNBmO48D for updated information. Stay safe! #Ontario #forestfires

— ONForestFires (@ONforestfires) July 23, 2018

MNRF says Parry Sound 33 has received significant aerial fire suppression over the last several days, but it is still listed as “out of control.”

The ministry says crews from across Canada, the United States and Mexico have provided support to help fight the fires still causing devastation in the northern part of the province.

© 2018 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

3/3 UPDATE: Parry Sound 33 fire expands to more than 6,500 hectares

parrysound.com/news-story/8759003-update-parry-sound-33-fire-expands-to-more-than-6-500-hectares

July 27, 2018 MNRF expands restricted fire zone

News 07:50 AM by ParrySound.com staff Parry Sound North Star PARRY SOUND — UPDATE: (11:55 a.m. Thursday, July 26): The Ministry of Natural Resources and Fire reports Parry Sound 33 is still not under control and growing.

According to the ministry in a news release dated 11:55, Thursday, July 26, by the evening of July 26 there were 45 active forest fires across the northeast. Of these, 15 are not yet under control, 30 are either being held, under control or being observed. Of the 15 not under control, Parry Sound 33 is one of them.

As of July 26, the fire is estimated at 6,760 hectares and there was minimal grown on the north, west and south end of the fire. The implementation order and all access restriction, including water access restriction, remain in place. The southwest winds are expected to continue today, possibly gusting from 30 to 40 kilometres per hour. Unfortunately, there is minimal precipitation in the forecast.

"Crews continue to make excellent progress around the southwest side of the perimeter, laying hose and working on hotspots north and south of Key River," reads the release."Today's focus was on the north and east flank of the fire, which were once again active due to sustained southern and southwesterly winds. The fire did put on some growth along the east flank, with one area of the fire crossing both Tower Lake and impacting the CN rail in one location."

Continued growth of the fire is expected on the northeast flank today. Water bombers and helicopters worked most of the day halting or slowing the spread of the fire. Values protection, or sprinklers, continue to be placed along Pickerel River and began in Henvey Inlet as a precautionary measure.

PARRY SOUND — UPDATE: (11:55 a.m. Wednesday, July 25): The Ministry of Natural Resources and Fire has expanded Northeast region restricted fire zone.

Due to strong, warmer and drier lake effect winds the ministry required aerial fire suppression yesterday, July 25, as fire activity increased. As a result of the the southwest winds, smoke was pushed across Highway 69 and into some communities to the east of the fire.

Resources yesterday included CL415 water bombers, two bird dog aircraft, heavy helicopters T802 amphibious aircraft and ground crews, the ministry reports. 1/5 Additional crews from Mexico arrived on the fire today, bringing the total number of firefighters helping to suppress the fire to 90. Values protection, or sprinklers, will continue to be put in place on structures along the Pickerel River today.

"Given the unpredictability of the fire, all access restrictions, including water restrictions, remain in place for the foreseeable future," reads a ministry press release. "In the interest of public safety, on July 21, 2018 the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF)’s recommended that the communities, municipalities and townships within the area below impose a mandatory evacuation of their residents with boat access only: All areas ranging from the western and northern borders of French River Provincial Park, east to Highway 69, and as far south as the south shore of the Key River; including all residents and members of the public on both the north and south shores of the French River, and the Pickerel River, as well as Hartley Bay."

There is also a recommendation by the ministry Parry Sound district to impose an evacuation alert to all residents within this area who have road access to their residences or cottages. These residents should be prepared to evacuate pending a change in the fire situation.

By the evening of July 25 there were 50 active forest fires across the northeast. Of these, 16 are not yet under control, 34 are either being held, under control or being observed.

There were two new fires confirmed in the region today. Hearst 14, located approximately 42 kilometres south of Hearst, is two hectares and not yet under control. Two crews provided initial attack on the fire with aerial suppression support. Wawa 11 is being held at 0.1 hectares 75 kilometres southeast of Longlac.

(Tuesday, July 24, 11:10 p.m.):The fire is expected to remain relatively quiet for the next couple of days.

"However, fire conditions and behaviour can change quickly. Crews continue to monitor weather and fire behaviour closely. Residents will see smoke in the area as crews continue suppression efforts. Values protection have been put in place in Key Harbour, along parts of the south side of Pickerel River and along a portion of the train tracks east of the fire."

A total of eight helicopters worked the fire on July 24.

As of July 24 the fire was at 5,612 hectares and still not under control.

The cause of the fire was originally stated as "human" on the MNR's website but that classification has since been removed, McCool said, to avoid public speculation.

“Because the cause is still unknown at this time and it is under investigation.”

(11:59 p.m., Monday, July 23): The Key River forest fire, known as Parry Sound 33, is now covering an area of 5,612 hectares and the restricted fire zone has been expanded to north of Rosseau. 2/5 According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services, Parry Sound 33 saw aerial fire suppression again on Monday, July 23. CL415s dropped water on the fire which was remapped at 5,612 hectares. Three heavy helicopters bucketed water to reduce the fire’s intensity and co-ordinated with ground crews.

On July 21, the MNRF’s Parry Sound district recommended that the communities, municipalities and townships within the area ranging from the western and northern borders of French River Provincial Park, east to Highway 69, and as far south as the south shore of the Key River; including all residents and members of the public on both the north and south shores of the French River, and the Pickerel River, as well as Hartley Bay impose a mandatory evacuation of their residents with boat access only.

There is also a recommendation by the MNRF Parry Sound district to impose an evacuation alert to all residents within this area who have road access to their residences or cottages. These residents should be prepared to evacuate pending a change in the fire situation.

In addition, the MNRF’s Sudbury district has recommended that all residents along Hartley Bay Road be placed on an evacuation alert, pending changes to the fire situation.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Conservation Officers have been on site helping notify the public of the situation, and facilitating this evacuation.

Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) has also been advised by Ontario Parks that the French River Provincial Park is fully closed west of Highway 69/400. All campers have been or are being evacuated. Ontario Parks has also suspended permit sales for the French River Delta and Pickerel River areas and are restricting entry to park users (everything west of Highway 69/400).

Henvey Inlet First Nation declared a state of emergency as a precautionary measure. As of July 22, the community has successfully and safely evacuated all of its community members, who are receiving accommodation and food.

Due to the extreme fire hazard and the large number of wildfires burning, the MNRF has expanded the Restricted Fire Zone to include some areas of the southern region. The new zone includes areas north of the community of Rosseau, northwest to Caramat, over to the Quebec border along Hwy 11 (to north of Abitibi Canyon) and southeast to Renfrew. This includes Algonquin Park, Parry Sound, Lake Superior Provincial Park, the North Shore of , Wawa, and Hearst. To check out more specific boundaries, visit Ontario.ca/forestfire and click on the interactive fire map.

During a Restricted Fire Zone, the use of open fires – such as campfires, or burning of brush or debris, is restricted. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to $25,000 and three months in jail, as well as financial responsibility for the costs incurred in fighting a forest fire.

3/5 Portable gas or propane stoves are permitted for use for cooking or warmth, though they should be closely monitored. Portable charcoal barbecues and Hibachis are not permitted unless within 100 metres of a dwelling, or within an organized campground.

Commercial campground operators may allow their guests to enjoy campfires during a Restricted Fire Zone period provided they meet certain conditions.

The Restricted Fire Zone is a temporary measure to reduce the number of new human-caused wildfires as the Aviation Forest Fire and Emergency Services branch of the Ontario MNRF expects the elevated forest fire hazard to continue into the foreseeable future.

By the evening of July 23 there were 55 active forest fires across the northeast. Of these, 21 are not yet under control, 34 are either being held, under control or being observed.

There was only one new start in the region today. Sudbury 92 located near Johnnie Lake in Killarney Provincial Park covers 0.1 of a hectare and is already under control.

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

Pursuant to the Emergency Area Order signed July 21, 2018, an Implementation Order has been issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry prohibiting access and travel in portions of Parry Sound District where there are public safety hazards as a result of increased fire activity from Parry Sound 33.

The order restricts travel, access and use in an identified area and may be modified regularly to reflect changing fire conditions. This measure has been put in place to ensure public safety while allowing fire personnel to safely and effectively suppress the fires in the identified area.

All travel and use on the French River waterway, Pickerel River (West of Hwy 69/400), Henvey Inlet, Key River basin, and all associated tributaries that access these river systems, including all access from Georgian Bay, and all islands on Georgian Bay within the French River Provincial Park boundaries, Dokis Island system, and Puddick island and all islands north of Henvey Inlet near shore is prohibited.

All access roads west of Hwy 69/400, from Henvey Inlet north to the French River area are closed.

If a member of the public believes that access within the restricted travel area is necessary for nonrecreational purposes, please call to 705-746-4201 to request a travel authorization permit. MNRF will review the request for access based on the rationale provided, local fire activity, and the potential fire risk.

For information about the fire situation: 705-564-6165

For inquiries about French River Provincial Park restrictions: 705-857-1630 ext 224

4/5 For Parry Sound District information, including all calls related to the recommendation of these evacuations and alerts, call 705-773-4218.

For updates on highway conditions, including closures, please call 5-1-1.

See the map at Ontario.ca/forestfire

5/5 Northern fire update Friday, July 27th

northernontario.ctvnews.ca/northern-fire-update-friday-july-27th-1.4030793

July 27, 2018

0 0

Published Friday, July 27, 2018 12:51PM EDT

Regional Fire Situation - July 26, 2018

By the evening of July 26 there were 45 active forest fires across the northeast. Of these, 15 are not yet under control, 30 are either being held, under control or being observed.

There were no new fires confirmed in the region today.

Photos

1/7 (A group of fire crews assigned to the Lady Evelyn Cluster pictured here at the Earlton Airport, by Lynn Daina)

(Photo of smoke along Highway 69 near Parry Sound 33, captured by Tanya Kienapple)

Pembroke 5, 6, and 7

Fire activity on the Pembroke fires was minimal again today. Pembroke 5, south of Grant’s Creek, is 37.5 hectares in size and has shown no growth. Pembroke 6 has twenty-four firefighters assigned and covers 697 hectares. Pembroke 7 which runs parallel to Highway 17 is now being held at 72.5 hectares. Values protection continues.

Incident Management Teams

Incident Management Teams (IMTs) are in place in the region. They are managing priority fires in three areas: River Valley Cluster Lady Evelyn Cluster Parry Sound 33

River Valley Fire Cluster:

This cluster includes two fires; North Bay 62 and North Bay 42. Both fires are being held. We are monitoring North Bay 25 to the west of the cluster, which is now under control.

There are 154 people working on these fires including firefighters from Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and Mexico.

Crews took advantage of the cooler, dry day to make solid progress on all fires. On North Bay 42, crews continued to secure the perimeter on the north side as well as working on hot spots on the west side. For North Bay 62, crews continued to work the perimeter of the fire while some crews began to recover equipment from the fire.

Crews completed removal of sprinkler protection from all structures.

Lady Evelyn Fire Cluster:

North Bay 72 remains at 27,579 hectares and is listed as not under control. However, the overcast skies and wet weather of late has allowed firefighters to consolidate hose lines along the perimeter. While there is much work still to be done, progress is being made daily.

2/7 Front line staff continue to work with heavy equipment operators to establish dozer guards in areas where this type of suppression is suitable. This goes a long way to secure the perimeter of the fire.

The Incident Management Team continues to observe North Bay 18, 19, 46, 59 and 61. While these fires have been quiet, they are not considered out.

(A group of fire crews assigned to the Lady Evelyn Cluster pictured here at the Earlton Airport, by Lynn Daina)

Currently there are 10 helicopters assigned to this cluster.

Transitioning of staff is ongoing as personnel depart for their home locations and new staff arrive. Crews arrived from northwestern Ontario today and more are expected from Saskatchewan tomorrow.

We continue to have firefighters from British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Northwest Territories and Mexico work on this cluster.

Parry Sound 33

Parry Sound 33 is currently estimated at 6,760 ha and is still listed as not under control.

· There was minimal growth on the north, the west and the south end of the fire today.

The implementation order and all access restrictions, including water access restrictions, remain in place. The southwest winds are expected to continue tomorrow, possibly gusting to 30 – 40 km/h. There is minimal precipitation in the forecast. Crews continue to make excellent progress around the southwest side of the perimeter, laying hose and working hotspots north and south of Key Harbour. Today’s focus was on the north and east flank of the fire, which were once again active due to sustained southern and southwesterly winds. The fire did put on some growth along the east flank, with one area of the fire crossing both Tower Lake and impacting the CN rail in one location. Continued growth is expected on the northeast flank tomorrow. Waterbombers and helicopters worked most of the day halting or slowing fire spread. Values protection (sprinklers) continued to be placed along the Pickerel River, and began in Henvey Inlet as a precautionary measure. In the interest of public safety, on July 21, 2018 the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF)’s Parry Sound district recommended that the communities, municipalities and townships within the area below impose a mandatory evacuation of their residents with boat access only: All areas ranging from the western and northern borders of French River Provincial Park, east to Highway 69, and as far south as the south shore of the

3/7 Key River; including all residents and members of the public on both the north and south shores of the French River, and the Pickerel River, as well as Hartley Bay. There is also a recommendation by the MNRF Parry Sound district to impose an evacuation alert to all residents within this area who have road access to their residences or cottages. These residents should be prepared to evacuate pending a change in the fire situation. In addition, the MNRF’s Sudbury district has recommended that all residents along Hartley Bay Road be placed on an evacuation alert, pending changes to the fire situation. Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) has also been advised by Ontario Parks that the French River Provincial Park is fully closed west of Highway 69/400. All campers have been or are being evacuated. Ontario Parks has also suspended permit sales for the French River Delta and Pickerel River areas and are restricting entry to park users (everything west of Highway 69/400). Henvey Inlet First Nation declared a state of emergency as a precautionary measure. As of July 22 the community has successfully and safely evacuated all of its community members, who are receiving accommodations and food. For information about the fire situation: 705-564-6165 For media inquiries: 705-564-6156 For inquiries about French River Provincial Park restrictions: 705-857-1630 ext. 224 For Parry Sound District information, including calls related travel restrictions or to the recommendation of these evacuations and alerts, call 705-773-4218. For Sudbury District information, including calls related to travel restrictions or to the recommendation of evacuation alerts, call 705-564-7963. For updates on highway conditions, including closures, please call 5-1-1.

Resources From Out of Province

Ontario is receiving support from across Canada, the United States and Mexico to assist with the fire situation. Alberta is providing personnel, equipment and aircraft. British Columbia is providing personnel and equipment. Newfoundland is providing personnel and equipment. Northwest Territories is providing personnel, equipment and aircraft. Nova Scotia is providing personnel and equipment. Prince Edward Island is providing personnel. Saskatchewan is providing personnel and aircraft. Minnesota, USA, is providing personnel. Wisconsin, USA, is providing personnel. Mexico is providing personnel. Additional personnel and equipment are expected to arrive in the province in the coming days.

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

4/7 Travel restrictions are in place for parts of North Bay, Kirkland Lake, Sudbury, Pembroke and Parry Sound districts due to forest fires. For details, visit Ontario.ca/forestfire.

RESTRICTED FIRE ZONES

Restricted fire zone expanded to additional parts of the Northeast fire region (southern region)

Due to the extreme fire hazard, several recent periods of heavy lightning, little precipitation and increased forest fire activity, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has expanded the Restricted Fire Zone to include parts of the Southern Region of Ontario as outlined on the interactive map. This expansion of the current Restricted Fire Zone will be in effect as of 12:01 AM on July 24, and will remain in place until further notice.

The expanded Restricted Fire Zone now includes Zones 24, 25, & 26 which would include areas south of the French River, including Parry Sound, from Georgian Bay east to the Quebec border, including Algonquin Provincial Park and from Renfrew north to Mattawa. To date, the current MNRF Restricted Fire Zone covers Zones 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, & 26 and restrictions will remain in place until further notice. See the fire map for an outline of the zones covered. During a Restricted Fire Zone, the use of open fires – such as campfires, or burning of brush or debris is restricted. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to $25,000 and three months in jail, as well as financial responsibility for the costs incurred in fighting a forest fire. Portable gas or propane stoves are permitted for use for cooking or warmth, though they should be closely monitored. Portable charcoal BBQs and Hibachis are not permitted unless within 100 metres of a dwelling, or within an organized campground. Commercial campground operators may allow their guests to enjoy campfires during a Restricted Fire Zone period provided they meet certain conditions in the Outdoor Fires Regulation (207/96).

The Restricted Fire Zone is a temporary measure to reduce the number of new human-caused wildfires as the Aviation Forest Fire and Emergency Services branch of the OMNRF expects the elevated forest fire hazard to continue into the foreseeable future.

Smoke Concerns

Smoke continues to be visible on Highway 69.

Hwy69

(Photo of smoke along Highway 69 near Parry Sound 33, captured by Tanya Kienapple)

Many Ontario residents have reported smoke drift in their communities. Smoky conditions are expected to continue as a number of fires remain active throughout the

5/7 northeast region until weather patterns and fire activity change. AFFES is reminding the public that if they do see flames or smoke, please report it, and stay away from the area in the interest of public safety. If you have questions or concerns about smoke and your health, please contact Tele Health Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

Fire numbers and online information:

To report a forest fire located north of the French and Mattawa rivers, please dial 310- FIRE (3473) To report a forest fire located south of the French or Mattawa rivers, please dial 911. Follow us on Twitter: in English @ONForestFires or in French @ONFeuDeForêt For up to date information on current fires in the province or to check the forest fire hazard in your area, visit Ontario.ca/forestfire

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