Natural Resources Ministry fire crews have got their hands full with a couple of forest fires in the Kapuskasing and Hearst areas. Cochrane 32 is located seven kilometres north of Highway 11 and west of the town of Harty and Kapuskasing. Fire information officer Evan Lizotte says the blaze that measures 2.9 hectares or seven and a half football fields is currently being held.
“Two CL 14 water bombers and an elite bird dog aircraft responded to the fire on Sunday,” he said. “Two fire ranger crews are assigned and are working on maintaining the perimeter. A helicopter equipped with a belly tank assisted ground crews early on Sunday evening and will continue to support suppression efforts today.”
Cochrane 26 is a much larger fire at 74.7 hectares or 186 football fields and is not under control. It’s located 27 kilometres south of Hearst and Coppell Lake.
“Water bombers worked on the fire most of the afternoon of Friday and Saturday, and six fire ranger crews are assigned to this fire and are working to maintain the fire perimeter as well,” he said. “A helicopter with a belly tank will continue to support fire suppressions as of today.”
