On May 25, 1948 at 1 p.m., aerial forest mapper Holly Parsons spotted a fire approximately 120 kilometers northwest of Blind River, near Peshu Lake. The fire was estimated to be 15 to 25 acres in size. By 4pm that day, the fire had reached 100 acres and it was clear a large number of fire fighters were needed.

The fire was finally brought under control in late July but not declared fully extinguished until late August.

Ultimately, 747,520 acres of prime forest were burned and the Mississagi Forest Fire is still considered the largest forest fire in Ontario’s history.

Visit The Timber Village Museum exhibit Out of the Smoke. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am-4pm.