A restricted fire zone (RFZ) that has been imposed on northwestern Ontario and a small part of the northeast since July 15 is scheduled to be lifted Thursday morning. Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) intends to officially rescind the order at 12:01 a.m. ET.
During a restricted fire zone, all open-air burning, including campfires, is prohibited. Once the ban is lifted, individuals will be permitted to start fires no earlier than two hours before sunset and must extinguish them no later than two hours after sunrise. However, certain municipalities like Thunder Bay have specific regulations regarding fire ignition.
The MNR expresses gratitude to the residents of the province for their efforts in preventing wildfires and ensuring community safety. The ministry urges everyone to exercise extreme caution and adhere to Ontario’s Outdoor Fires Regulations, as stated on the provincial forest fire website.
“If the fire hazard and fire activity warrant it, the province will continue to evaluate wildland fire hazard conditions, and a RFZ designation may be reinstated in high-risk areas,” the MNR mentioned.
The restrictions were imposed at the peak of wildfire activity in the region, leading to over 2,800 individuals being displaced from numerous communities. Current reports from the province indicate that slightly more than 700 people are still under evacuation.
Approximately 110 wildfires are currently active across the province, with seven of them not yet under control. With forest fire risks significantly reduced, the evacuation and implementation orders for wildfires such as Thunder Bay 36, Thunder Bay 56, Dryden 34, and Dryden 35 will also be lifted on Thursday at 9 a.m.
This decision allows travel and access to roads and lakes in these areas, enabling over 600 evacuees from Whitesand First Nation and Armstrong to return home officially.
Thunder Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) announced an increased police presence on Highway 527 and in the communities of Armstrong and Whitesand First Nation to support the safe return of residents after the updated MNR orders.
Residents should consult their local fire departments to verify if municipal fire bans are still in effect in their areas. While the extreme temperatures witnessed earlier this summer have normalized, residents are reminded that the wildfire season remains active until Oct. 31 and conditions can change rapidly.
Kevin Anderson, division chief of fire prevention at Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, mentioned that Thunder Bay will lift its municipal fire ban once the RFZ is lifted, but other communities may retain their bans. He emphasized the importance of coordination with the MNR for consistent fire regulations.
Residents are advised to remain cautious and avoid starting any wildfires, despite the lifting of bans. The interactive forest fire map provided by Ontario offers real-time updates on active wildfires and fire hazards.
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