The fire has been lifted for Northeastern Ontario but not in Timmins.

The city announced its personal fire ban is still in effect due to the Timmins 9 forest fire still burning.

City officals say no fire under any circumstances are to be lit within in the city.

The restricted fire zone has been in effect since May 16th due the extreme fire hazard.

By Tom Parisi

Fire crews are making progress in the timmins 9 forest fire

The fire is still 2km south of HWY 101 and 30km from downtown. Still sitting at 39,518 hectares, it’s the largest fire in the northeast region in the last 50 years.

Cooler temperatures and guest appearances by the rain are helping crew tackle the fire.

The fire hazard is still extreme with OPP enforcing the restricted zone south of HWY 101.

HWY 101 is open and HWY 144 remains closed at this time.

By Tom Parisi

The South Porcupine OPP have seized over 48 thousand dollars in drugs and currency during a routine traffic stop on Tuesday.

Police say the driver was pulled over for having a suspended lisence. Upon further investigation the officer found over 2,600 ecstasy tablets, 18 oxycodone tablets, $21,000 in canadian currency, and a loaded luger 9 mm semi automatic handgun.

Two ottawa area men, Kevin Langlois and Anthony Bonnevie were charged with:

- 2 counts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking
- Possession of a Firearm While Prohibited contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada
- Possession of a Restricted Weapon contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada
- Possession of a Firearm With an Altered Serial Number contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada

Both men were scheduled for a bail hearing Wednesday morning.

By: Christina Hajjar

If the last two weeks have showed us anything, it’s the importance of being prepared for the unknown.

Many residences in the area faced evacuation, sometimes in the dead of night.

Over 800 people were forced from their homes because of the forest fires in the region.

Peter Delmonte with Timmins-Porcupine Search and Rescue said having a kit ready will save you a lot of headaches.

“People that were evacuated at 1:30 in the morning, you don’t have your head on straight. If you have a 72 hour emergency kit at the ready, whether it’s in a duffle bag or a storage container, you grab it and go and you’ll know you have the necessary items.” Delmonte said.

The Red Cross suggests you keep a disaster preparedness kit in your home containing:

- Two litres of water, per person per person per day for drinking. Another two litres should be kept for washing. You never know if the water supply might become contaminated.

- Enough non-perishable food for 72 hours for each person. Make sure the food is lightweight, requiring no refrigeration, cooking or added water. Check the expirey dates once a year.

The Red Cross also suggests you pack these items:

- Manual can opener
- Crank or battery-operated flashlight, with extra batteries
- Crank or battery-operated radio, with extra batteries
- Extra keys, for house and car
- First aid kit
- Cash in small bills
- Special needs items – medications, baby formula and diapers, and equipment for people with disabilities.
- Copy of your emergency plan

Additional items to consider

- Change of clothing and footwear for each person
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Pet food and pet medication
- Garbage bags and twist ties
- Toilet paper
- Multi-tool or basic tools (hammer, wrench, screwdriver, etc.)
- Duct tape
- Plastic sheeting
- Scissors or pocket knife
- Whistle
- Hand sanitizer
- Personal hygiene items
- Important family documents (copies of birth and marriage certificates, passports, licenses, wills, land deeds and insurance)

OPP PRESS RELEASE

The South Porcupine OPP, in conjunction with the Ministry of Natural Resources, is anticipating re-opening evacuated areas west of Timmins.

This comprehensive procedure will be undertaken in stages where a number of evacuated areas north of Hwy 101 West will be effective re-opened to the public commencing on May 29th, 2012.

The following recreational areas will be allowed to return on the 29th May 2012 starting at 1000 hrs:

1. Keefer Twp which includes the following:

” Keefer Lake
” Star Lake
” Dana Lake
” Luquer lake
” Jowsey Lake
” Little Star Lake
” Jordan Lake
” Cosgrove Lake
” Norris Lake
” Boom Lake
” Warren Lake
” Tortoise Lake
” Lavalle Lake
” Whiteside Lake
” Carlton Lake

The following recreational areas will be allowed to return on the 29th May 2012 starting at 1300 hrs:

2. Hilliary Twp and parts of Sewell Twp which includes the following:

” Opishing River
” Opishing Lake
” Old Mill Campground/Weston Lake
” Sewell Lake

From an operational standpoint, OPP officers will escort property owners back to their respective seasonal residences.

It is highly likely that all persons will be required to provide adequate identification before being allowed access to the areas identified above.

This planned re-opening is contingent upon environmental conditions remaining in their current state and that the status of the forest fire remains
stable.

The state of emergency has been lifted for the city of Timmins.

Mayor Tom Laughren announced that at 10 am this morning, the city would no longer be in need of extra government resources.

while the fire continues to burn roughly 30 km from the centre of Timmins, the water ban and strict fire ban continue for the city.

The fire is holding steady at 39 thousand 500 hectares, has not grown in size since Saturday, and crews are now shifting the focus from values protection, to battling back the flames on the front lines.

Hydro Bay residents are being let back into the community today… but not residents who live on the east side of Kenogamissi Lake.
Again this is the Hydro Bay only.

Those on to the east of Kenogamissi Lake will have to wait to get home (Kenogami Cottage included).

OPP are continuing patrols within evacuated communities to ensure no properties are damaged and that no theft has occurred.

A road block will be set up just wast of the Kenogomissi cottagers road. This is the only entrance to the bay.

Police are requesting that only residents of the bay return home today. You will be asked to prove your residency with some form of ID.

OPP and Timmins police are urging residents to be patient as this process will be slow.

Also, the Mattagami first nations will be making their way today as well with the help of OPP.

These remain the only changes in evacuations.

All other evacuation orders and highway closures remain in effect.

Public Meeting – May 28, 11:00 am

Mayor Laughren’s talking points:

• We continue to make progress fighting this fire. Today’s cooler temp combined with the rain is assisting in the suppression efforts.
• Fire is still 30 to 35 km away from the City of Timmins core and based on mapping techniques, fire is at 39,518 ha and holding.
• The 25 four person Fire Ranger crews from Ontario and 20 four person crews from BC are on the front line working fire suppression
• Full aerial assault will continues today
• Again I’m urging private aircrafts to stay away from the fire zone.
• I want to emphasize that with the aggressive suppression effort, the City of Timmins is in no imminent danger.
• State of Emergency has now been lifted
• Access to Hydro Bay will be allowed. The East side of Kenogamissi Lake is still under a restriction order. Timmins Police will set up south of Hydro Bay to ensure that the power line road is still being monitored.
• While the situation is improving … everyone needs to remain vigilant about the risk of fires … especially when hot and dry weather returns because those risks are not going away … it’s only May! Everyone should be prepared and have an emergency kit at home and at their cottage. You can order these by visiting www.ontario.ca/emo These will also be available shortly through the many agencies located in the City as well as being available from City Hall. It does not hurt to be prepared and vigilant at all times.
• We do not anticipate any new evacuation orders.
• Highway 144 and Highway 101 continue to be closed. Dalton Road is also closed near the Grassy River
• No airport related issues to report, all flights are on schedule
• An outdoor water ban continues. Again I ask car washes and car dealers to consider water conservation measures until further notice.
• I want to emphasize what I said yesterday with respect to updates and information accuracy. This situation is fast moving and so information changes at the drop of a hat. We will continue providing “real time” accurate updates as quickly as we can.
• The Ontario Commissioner of Community Safety, Dan Hefkey, will be in Timmins to meet with municipal and provincial officials later today. Mr. Hefkey will be available to meet with the media here in the auditorium at 1pm today
• I would encourage residents to visit You Tube from a link on the City web site to view this and all other un-edited News Conferences.
• Once again, and on behalf of the residents, I want to express a heartfelt thanks to the Emergency Responders including the MNR, the OPP, the Timmins Fire Service, Timmins Police, The Canadian Red Cross, the Ministry of Public Safety, the Ontario Fire Marshalls Office and everyone else.

All fire updates:

Timmins Fire 7

• Status: Under control and currently at 476 ha;

Timmins Fire 10

• Status: Under control and currently at 20 ha;

Timmins Fire 11

• Status: Out

Timmins Fire 12

• Status: Out

Timmins Fire 13

• Status: Out

Timmins Fire 14

• Status: Out

Timmins Fire 15

• Status: Being held and is currently at 8 ha. Crews continue to make good progress. Being held.
• To date, Old Mill Campground has not been affected.

The Kirkland Lake Community Control Group working with the MNR will be allowing a controlled return of residents to the Goodfish Lake and Nettie Lake areas.  There will be announcements on CJKL radio regarding the status on current roadblocks.

The fire, dubbed Kirkland Lake 8 is approximately three kilometres north of the town and began Sunday May 20, 2012.  It continues to be listed as ‘not under control’ although it has remained the same size at 2635 hectares.

If there is no further threatening fire behaviour, Goodfish Lake and Nettie Lake residents will be allowed to return at 6:00 p.m.  Police roadblocks will remain in place and all vehicles will be checked to confirm residency.  Only local residents will be allowed access.  The road will be open to local residents only.

Dorothy Lake, Lauramay Lake and Ferguson Lake Roads and areas remain closed.  This also includes all areas north of the Nettie Lake including but not limited to Lawgraves Lake.

This will mean the return home of all permanent residents.  The residents were evacuated on Sunday May 20, 2012.

In both locations, if the residents are allowed to return, it will be announced on CJKL radio at 6:00 p.m. May 27, 2012.

Residents are advised, when they return to their homes, their access is to their property only.  The Implementation Order put in place by the Ministry of Natural Resources on May 21, 2012 remains in effect.  The order prohibits the use and occupation, travel on and use of any and all forest access roads and trails on Crown lands in the Townships of Teck, Morrisette and Bernhardt, as known as the incorporated Municipality of the Town of Kirkland Lake; is prohibited unless authorized by a travel permit as issued by the Kirkland District of the MNR.

The Implementation Order also restricts travel and use of Crown land in the eastern portions of Grenfell and Maisonville Township.

As well, heavy equipment will continue to work in the area, values protection will remain on the properties and Airport Road east of Nettie Lake Road is closed.

The fire is not under control at this time.  Those residents who have returned home must remain in a high state of readiness.  There is no evacuation order at this time, but residents are asked to continue to be prepared.  Preparation includes fill your vehicle with fuel, packing three days clothing, all medication, First-aid Kit, food and bottled water, important papers, personal items and pets.

Recap available first with more detailed information listed below:

Crews have been able to keep the fire at bay today and are continue to focus on value protections measures.

Thankfully, OPP report that only a few sheds and one truck have been considered compromised by the fire so far. The MNR says that as the weather helps them get a better grasp hot spots, they will be able to shift gears this week to focus all of their attention on the remaining blazes of Timmins 9.

They are focusing along the east side of the fire, near and around the Kenogamissi Lake.

HWY 101 and HWY 144 remain closed until further notice. As Lake Shore Gold’s Timmis West reopens tomorrow, all workers are encouraged to bring ID to get through the OPP roadblock.

All other roadblocks also remain in place.

All evacuation orders also remain in place.

Officials would like to remind Timmins residents that as the situation seems to be improving, we are still not out of the woods.  As Timmins remains under a state of emergency, a STRICT fire ban and water ban also remain in place.

Officials are also reminding people that evacuation orders will most likely be in place for an extended period of time.
Also, when the time comes to return home… it will be a lengthy and highly organized process involving both MNR and OPP.

OPP are continuing to monitor evacuated properties to ensure no break-ins or thefts have occurred. So far, they haven’t found any evidence of this happening.

Officials appreciate everyone’s patience and best efforts to remain calm. The mayor “thanks everyone involved in this situation and want to thank the many businesses and residents who have contributed, through donations, water, gator aid, food, fly repellent, etc. We are all grateful for your generosity and kindness in a time of need.”

Newest Update from MNR, OPP, Timmins Police and City Hall:

• Crews were able to map the fire yesterday; it is currently 39,518 ha.

• The fire did not grow overnight and is not expected to grow today. Calmer winds and cooler temperatures will aid in fire suppression efforts today.

• Crews are establishing heavy equipment controls lines using bulldozers and backhoes. Full aerial suppression efforts also underway today.

• Values protection efforts and fire line construction continue with resources on a prioritized basis. Approximately 200 structures have been protected from the fire.

• Efforts will be concentrated on containing the fire on the eastern flank. This includes areas west of Mattagami Lake and east of Kenogamissi Lake, as well as mopping up hot spots around Cache Campground and McKeown recreation areas. There were no major losses to the values in these two areas.

• HWY 101 and 144 remain CLOSED until further notice. The fire is still approximately 2 km south of Hwy 101. OPP are hopeful that 101 may be able to reopen westbound at somepoint this week.

• It is approximately 30-35 km away from the centre of City of Timmins

• Lakeshore Gold’s Timmins West mine will reopen tomorrow after getting power restored and smoke leaving the region.

• Smoke alerts are still in place throughout the area.  The winds have diminished and are now out of the east, helping to keep smoke away from the City of Timmins.

Mayor Tom Laughren’ s talking points:

• The City Emergency Planning Team met again this morning to assess developments and update strategy

• We continue to make progress fighting this fire. Today’s cooler temp combined with calmer winds and the rain forecast is great news and will aid in the suppression efforts.

• NO significant property losses to report- Only a few sheds and a truck have been identified as values compromised.

• Fire is still 30 to 35 km away from the City of Timmins core and based on mapping techniques, fire is at 39,518 ha and not the 41,000 ha previously reported.

• The 25 four person Fire Ranger crews from Ontario and 20 four person crews from BC are on the front line working fire suppression

• Full  aerial assault will continues  today

• I’m asking owners of private aircraft to stay away from the fire zone.

• the City of Timmins is in no imminent danger, although the Emergency Area Order and State of Emergency remains in place.

• Lakeshore Gold reports that they will be back in full production beginning this evening.

• We do not anticipate any new evacuation orders.

• The City of Timmins welcome/registration centre operated by the Red Cross will be decommissioned today. Anyone requiring assistance can call the Timmins Office of the Canadian Red Cross at 705-267-4900 or visit their office at 60 Wilson Ave.

• Highway 144 and Highway 101 continue to be closed.

• No airport related issues to report, all flights are on schedule

• An outdoor water ban continues. Again I ask car washes and car dealers to consider water conservation measures until further notice.

• I want to emphasize what I said yesterday with respect to updates and information accuracy. This situation is fast moving and so information changes at the drop of a hat. We will continue providing “real time” accurate updates as quickly as we can.

• I would encourage residents to visit You Tube from a link on the City web site to view this and all other un-edited News Conferences.

• I want to thank everyone involved in this situation and want to thank the many businesses and residents who have contributed, through donations, water, gator aid, food, fly repellent, etc. We are all grateful for your generosity and kindness in a time of need.

12:10 a.m.

By Tom Parisi

Crew were able to map our the fire yesterday and it has shrunk by more than 2,000 hectares. The fire isn’t predictied to grow today.

The fire is still roughly 2km south of HWY 101 and about 30-35km away from downtown Timmins.

MNR crews are working in full force today with 180 working on the Timmins 9 alone. Sprinkler systems set up by the MNR have saved almost 200 homes and cottages so far. The MNR is also resporting very minimal to no damage to cottages and homes at the Cache and Mckeown recreations areas.

Crews from B.C. have arrived and have begun to assist our fire fighters.

Timmins Fire 7
• Status: Under control and currently at 414 ha; scans found only one hotspot over past two days. Smoke monitoring continues.

Timmins Fire 10
• Status: Under control and currently at 20 ha; crew patrolling hotspots.

Timmins Fire 11
• Status: Out

Timmins Fire 12
• Status: Out

Timmins Fire 13
• Status: Out

Timmins Fire 14
• Status: Out

Timmins Fire 15
• Status: Being held and is currently at 8 ha. Crews continue to make good progress.
• To date, Old Mill Campground has not been affected.