Matheson Fire

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The Matheson Fire in northern Ontario, Canada was a massive forest fire which had become uncontrolled on July 29, 1916 and killed 200-250 people and burned down six towns including Matheson, Ontario and caused extensive damage in and around Cochrane, Ontario. The approximately 64 kilometre front burned 500,000 acres (2,000 km²).

Fires set by settlers clearing brush burned out of control during a period when there had not been much rain. Strong winds encouraged the spread of the flames. Some people escaped on the Temiskaming and Northern Ontario Railway, now the Ontario Northland Railway. Others were saved by reaching safety in a river or lake.

The fire led to the creation of the Forest Protection Branch of the Department of Lands, Forests and Mines, now known as the Ministry of Natural Resources, and the Forest Fires Prevention Act in Ontario.

The definitive book on the great fires is KILLER IN THE BUSH by Michael Barnes. Second printing with Highway Book Shop, Cobalt On in 2002.