(The Timmins Daily Press posted the following article to its website on June 25.)
TIMMINS, Ont. — A fire ban remains in effect throughout the Timmins area, as dry conditions continue throughout the North.
Six new forest fires ignited in Ontario on Tuesday, while current blazes forced the evacuation of another community and disrupted rail service.
The blazes, which have been raging since Saturday are costing the Ontario government $2 million a day, the Ministry of Natural Resources says.
Arid conditions combined with high temperatures and unpredictable winds have ignited at least 50 fires that have cut a swath through a large part of northwestern Ontario. More than 800 people have been evacuated from their homes, and are not expected to be allowed back anytime soon.
Lightning strikes and shifting winds are fanning the flames.