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 on Thursday morning. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) intends to officially lift the order at 12:01 a.m. ET.
During the RFZ period, no open-air burning, including campfires, was permitted. Once the restrictions are removed, individuals will be allowed 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 times.
The MNR expressed gratitude to the residents of the province for their efforts in preventing wildland fires and ensuring community safety. The ministry emphasized the importance of exercising extreme caution and adhering to Ontario’s Outdoor Fires Regulations as outlined on the provincial forest fire website.
While the forest fire hazards have significantly decreased, the evacuation orders and implementation orders around 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 will allow travel and the use of roads and lakes in these areas, enabling over 600 evacuees from Whitesand First Nation and Armstrong to return home.
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 facilitate the safe return of residents following the updates to the MNR’s Implementation Order and Evacuation Order.
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fire prevention at Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, mentioned that Thunder Bay will lift its municipal fire ban once the RFZ is rescinded on Thursday. However, other communities may opt to maintain their fire bans. Anderson highlighted the authority of each municipality, through the fire chief, to enforce or lift fire bans, typically aligning with the MNR for coordinated efforts.
Residents are advised to check with their local fire departments to confirm if municipal fire bans are still in effect. Anderson stressed the ongoing wildfire season until October 31 and the need for vigilance even though recent rain has improved conditions. He urged caution and compliance with safety measures to prevent wildfires and ensure a safe summer for everyone.
For the latest updates on active wildfires and forest fire hazards, residents can refer to Ontario’s interactive forest fire map online.
