LAURENTIAN VALLEY – Government officials are saying a forest fire is burning out of control near Petawawa.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has reported an active forest fire in the Pembroke district. The blaze was discovered shortly before 5 p.m. Monday evening and is currently not under control. It is estimated the fire covers roughly 0.1 hectares.

The fire is located north of County Road 58, otherwise known as Round Lake Road, in Laurentian Valley along McKay Creek.

The ministry is reminding area residents when planes approach a body of water to move close to the shore so they can perform their scoop. Water bombers will pick up from a lake or river if a watercraft is posing a safety hazard.

Right now, the largest forest fire burning in the north eastern part of the province is in the Timmins area at over 4,600 hectares, but it’s currently listed as under control. Before starting a fire, be sure to check with your local municipality to see if there are any restrictions in place.

• Courtesy Oldies 107.7 FM