TIMMINS, Ont. - Authorities in northeastern Ontario say a massive forest fire near Timmins is no longer considered out of control.
The Ministry of Natural Resources says the blaze covering more than 39,500 hectares west of the city is now being held, meaning it's unlikely to spread.
The fire -- located about 30 kilometres from the centre of Timmins -- hasn't grown since last weekend.
Steady rain over the past week has helped hundreds of firefighters battle the flames that have ravaged the area since May 20.
The city of roughly 43,000 was under a state of emergency for several days as powerful winds blew thick, heavy smoke toward the downtown area.
But the alert was lifted Monday after the winds died down and the smoke cleared.
Many residents evacuated from rural communities nearby have been allowed to go home.
Provincial police say access to cottages on the west side of Kenogamissi Lake and the north end of Mattagami Lake will be reopened today.
But they say a large tract of land west of Highway 144 and south of Highway 101 remains restricted.
Officials warn conditions could still change. They're urging residents to stay vigilant.
