A restricted fire zone (RFZ) that has been enforced in northwestern Ontario and a small part of the northeast since July 15 is scheduled to be removed on Thursday morning. Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) intends to officially cancel the order at 12:01 a.m. ET.
During a restricted fire zone, all open-air burning activities, including campfires, are prohibited. Once the restriction 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, specific regulations on fire ignition times may apply in certain municipalities like Thunder Bay.
The MNR expressed gratitude to the people of the province for their efforts in preventing wildland fires and ensuring community safety. The ministry advises the public to exercise extreme caution and adhere to Ontario’s Outdoor Fires Regulations as per the provincial forest fire website.
The imposition of the restrictions coincided with the peak of wildfire activity in the region, resulting in the displacement of over 2,800 individuals from numerous communities. Current figures from the province indicate that around 700 people are still under evacuation.
Approximately 110 wildfires are currently active across the province, with seven of them not yet under control. As the forest fire risks have significantly decreased, the evacuation and implementation orders affecting areas such as Thunder Bay 36, Thunder Bay 56, Dryden 34, and Dryden 35 will also be lifted on Thursday at 9 a.m.
This development will allow for the resumption of travel and use of roads and lakes in these regions, enabling more than 600 evacuees from Whitesand First Nation and Armstrong to return home.
The Thunder Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has announced 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 update of the MNR’s orders.
Kevin Anderson, division chief of fire prevention at Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, mentioned that Thunder Bay will lift its municipal fire ban following the revocation of the RFZ on Thursday, while other communities may choose to maintain their bans. Residents are advised to check with their local fire departments for updates on municipal fire bans.
Anderson emphasized that despite the more favorable weather conditions, the wildfire season extends until October 31, and vigilance is essential as circumstances can change rapidly.
Residents in Thunder Bay are now allowed to light fires between 5 p.m. and midnight, subject to obtaining a fire permit and maintaining a safe distance from combustible materials. The public is encouraged to remain cautious and avoid starting wildfires, while also enjoying the relaxation of fire restrictions for the remainder of the summer.
For the latest information on active wildfires and forest fire hazards, residents can refer to Ontario’s interactive forest fire map online.
