The forests are tinder dry and the Kapuskasing and Hearst areas remain under a restricted fire zone, even with the rain over the past couple of days. There hasn't been a significant amount of rain in the area to lift the ban yet. MNR information officer Roger Carrier said that the storm that rolled through the region last week sparked 44,000 lightning strikes in a 24-hour period. The fire in the Fauquier area is now up to 300 hectares and still not under control despite heavy water bombing late last week by firefighters. Carrier said that there are nearly 1200 firefighters in the north east region, more than expected. The Chapleau fire is now at 2300+ hectares and still not controlled. But firefighters have been able to clear some areas so that hydro can be restored to the community. Chapleau has been without hydro since late last Thursday.