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Forest fires play havoc with local highways

All of a sudden, the forest fire situation has taken off in the northwest region.

The most recent forest fire is in the area of the intersection of Highway 71 and Highway 11 near Manitou Rapids.

The Ministry of Transportation says the northbound lane is currently closed.

Earlier this afternoon, a forest fire broke out near Caliper Lake Provincial Park.

The Ministry of Transportation closed both lanes of Highway 71 for almost an hour due to the proximity of the blaze.

Now, one lane is open and the MTO says the south lane and south shoulder are closed.

Meanwhile, Highway 673, the road to Shoal Lake #39 is also affected by a forest fire.

The MTO says traffic is using alternating lanes.

(File photo)

  • Tim Davidson has more than 30 years of experience in radio news. He is based in Kenora and covers stories in northwestern Ontario. Contact Tim at davidson.tim@radioabl.ca.

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Kenora, CA
6:40 pm, May 16, 2026
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