MNR

Posts related to the ministry of natural resources (ie: forest fires, fire restrictions, disaster management, emergency preparedness, etc)

Travel Update

As of 11:00 July 20, 2026 Highway 599 is open to public travel; however, motorists are reminded that wildfires remain active in the area and the fires are not out.

Conditions have improved sufficiently to allow the highway to reopen, but fire behaviour and smoke conditions can change rapidly. If conditions deteriorate, the highway may be closed again with little notice to ensure public and firefighter safety.

Travel Update Read More »

Fire Update

Fire Update (July 18, 2026): Due to current wildfire conditions, access through the road closure area will be provided by MNR-escorted convoy only. There will be two (2) escorted trips per day.

SOUTHBOUND
• Trip 1: Departs 10:30AM – meet at Airport Road / HWY 599 (Pickle Lake)
• Trip 2: Departs 8:30PM (20:30) – meet at Airport Road / HWY 599 (Pickle Lake)

NORTHBOUND
• Trip 1: Departs 7:00AM – meet at HWY 599 / HWY 516 Junction
• Trip 2: Departs 6:00PM (18:00) – meet at HWY 599 / HWY 516 Junction

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• If you miss a scheduled departure, you must wait for the next scheduled escort trip.
• Traffic will be one-way only during escort operations. No two-way traffic will be permitted.
• Do not pass the pilot vehicle at any time.
• Travel is at your own risk.
• Escort trips may be cancelled or modified without notice due to changing wildfire conditions and operational requirements.

Please plan accordingly and monitor for further updates.

Fire Update Read More »

Fire Update

Fire Update (July 15, 2026 at 5:03PM): All of the fires around Mishkeegogamang and Pickle Lake are not currently threatening the community, the direction of spread today is to the southeast.

• SLK 74 has had a helicopter bucketing on it
• SLK 88 is burning across from Dog Hole Bay. It has 2 crews actively supressing the fire and had a helicopter bucketing this morning. No problems currently anticipated. The current size of the fire is 2.5 ha.
• SLK 89 north of Saugeen and SLK 86 burned across the highway yesterday. The highway is closed to non-emergency traffic.

MNR will continue to provide updates to the Township of Pickle Lake on the current fire conditions and road closures. Please stay informed and stay safe.

Fire Update Read More »

Be Bear Wise

Black bears live in most parts of Ontario. Knowing what to do if you encounter a bear is being Bear Wise.

Check out these recommendations on how to avoid bear encounters, general safety tips, and what to do in an emergency.

For more information from the Ministry of Natural Resources, visit: ontario.ca/bearwise

Be Bear Wise Read More »

Fire at Graveyard Lake

Please be advised the Township of Pickle Lake has received an update from the Ministry of Natural Resources regarding the fire at Graveyard Lake and have provided a status update that the fire is now under control and that they continue suppression operation at this time.

Reminder to all residents to please ensure that you stay clear of the area for now.

As a reminder, there is a fire restriction in effect for the Township of Pickle Lake.

Fire at Graveyard Lake Read More »

Road Closures Due to Fire

Attention:

The following roads are closed due to forest fire:
• HWY 599 – Pickle Lake Road intersection (south bound)
• HWY 516

An alternate route is available for use between Pickle Lake and Mishkeegogamang via Airport Road.

MNR will be monitoring the situation and provide updates as they become available.

Road Closures Due to Fire Read More »

MNR: Be Bear Wise

Be Bear Wise: “Admire them. Respect them. But please, don’t feed them.” Recommendations from the Ministry of Natural Resources to avoid bears and prevent bear encounters.

MNR: Be Bear Wise Read More »

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