There were 15 new forest fire starts yesterday (Tuesday) in the Northeast Region with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry reporting 66 active fires as of last night.

They expect to continue to find new starts because of the thunderstorms and lightning that rolled through on Monday.

Meantime, fire crews from other provinces have arrived in Ontario to help with the forest fire situation here. 70 crew members, in total are here from BC and Alberta, along with waterbombers from Alberta and Saskatchewan.

The MNRF also says many communities across the northeast, and into cottage country, are experiencing smoke drift.

They say anyone with questions or concerns about the smoke and their health should contact Telehealth Ontario.

(Photo courtesy @OPP_NER on Twitter)

Filed under: ministry-of-natural-resources-and-forestry, north-bay-mnrf-district