A record breaking year for wildfires in Ontario.
October 31st marked the official end to the season as officials noted there were 1,198 fires recorded from April 1st through to October 31st.
The largest recorded fire in Northern Ontario history reached a total of 200,000 hectares (approximately the size of 200,000 football fields).
The province also utilized nearly 500 fire personnel and 25 aircraft from the United States, Australia and Mexico in the fight against fires.
The 2021 fire season ends today! Thank you to all AFFES staff, contract Firefighters and all out of province personnel for your hard work and dedication this season. Remember: #SafetyFirst when burning beyond the fire season. pic.twitter.com/PtKYGtZ9Q3
— Ontario Forest Fires (@ONforestfires) October 31, 2021
The record breaking fire, Kenora 51, is now the provinces biggest forest fire sitting at 200,667 hectares since 1960. The previous record was held in Sioux Lookout at 140,000ha from 2011.
The monster fire was discovered in early June and was declared under control by mid October. The fire was located north of the community of Wabaseemoong, which is almost two hours north of Kenora.
