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 lifted on Thursday morning. The Ontario 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 this 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 rules on fire ignition timing exist in certain municipalities such as Thunder Bay.
The MNR expresses gratitude to the province’s residents “for their efforts in preventing wildland fires and ensuring community safety.” The ministry advises people to exercise extreme caution and adhere to Ontario’s Outdoor Fires Regulations, as stated on the provincial forest fire website.
“The province will monitor wildland fire hazard conditions continuously, and a RFZ designation may be reinstated in high-risk areas if the fire hazard and activity necessitate it.”
The restrictions were imposed at the peak of the region’s wildfire activity, leading to over 2,800 evacuations from several communities. Current figures show that approximately 700 individuals are still under evacuation orders.
About 110 wildfires are currently burning across the province, with seven of them remaining uncontained. As the forest fire risks have significantly decreased, the evacuation and implementation orders for wildfires in 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 travel and access to roads and lakes in these areas, permitting more than 600 evacuees from Whitesand First Nation and Armstrong to return home.
The Thunder Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) announce 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 orders.
Kevin Anderson, the division chief of fire prevention at Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, mentions that Thunder Bay will lift its municipal fire ban in line with the RFZ revocation on Thursday. However, other communities may opt to maintain their fire bans.
Residents are advised to check with their local fire departments regarding the status of municipal fire bans in their areas. Anderson highlights that the wildfire season extends until October 31 and emphasizes the importance of remaining cautious, as conditions can change rapidly.
In Thunder Bay, starting Thursday at 12:01 a.m. ET, residents can resume fires as both the province’s restricted fire zone and the local fire ban will be lifted. Fire permits are required, and burning must be at least two meters away from any flammable materials.
The Ontario interactive forest fire map online provides up-to-date information on active wildfires and forest fire hazards.