After being in place since July 15, a restricted fire zone (RFZ) covering northwestern Ontario and a small part of the northeast will be lifted on Thursday morning. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is set to officially cancel the order at 12:01 a.m. ET.
During the RFZ period, all open-air burning, including campfires, was prohibited. With the lifting of the zone, 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, 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 maintaining community safety. They are advising the public to exercise extreme caution and adhere to Ontario’s Outdoor Fires Regulations as outlined on the provincial forest fire website.
The decision to reinstate an RFZ in high-risk areas will be based on ongoing assessments of wildland fire hazard conditions and fire activity levels.
The RFZ restrictions were implemented during a period of heightened wildfire activity, resulting in the displacement of over 2,800 individuals from numerous communities. Presently, around 700 people are still under evacuation orders.
As of now, approximately 110 wildfires are active across the province, with seven of them remaining uncontrolled. Consequently, the evacuation and implementation orders for wildfires in Thunder Bay 36, Thunder Bay 56, Dryden 34, and Dryden 35 will be lifted on Thursday at 9 a.m., allowing evacuees from Whitesand First Nation and Armstrong to return home.
Law enforcement, including Thunder Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), will increase their 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, the division chief of fire prevention at Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, mentioned that Thunder Bay will lift its municipal fire ban once the RFZ is revoked. However, individual communities may opt to maintain their fire bans. Residents are advised to consult with their local fire departments to confirm the status of any ongoing municipal fire bans.
Anderson emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant as the wildfire season extends until October 31, cautioning that conditions can change rapidly despite recent improvements due to rainfall. He urged residents to exercise care and responsibility to prevent wildfires, especially considering the continued warming trend in the city and country.
For those in Thunder Bay, fires will be permitted between 5 p.m. and midnight, subject to having a fire permit and ensuring a safe distance of at least two meters from combustible materials. Anderson encouraged everyone to remain cautious to preserve the safety and enjoyment of the summer season. The Ontario interactive forest fire map online provides real-time updates on active wildfires and forest fire hazards.
