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 the RFZ period, all open-air burning, including campfires, was prohibited. Once the restrictions are lifted, 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 caution and adhering to Ontario’s Outdoor Fires Regulations, as outlined on the provincial forest fire website.
The decision to reinstate an RFZ designation in high-risk areas will depend on ongoing assessments of wildland fire hazard conditions and fire activity levels.
The restrictions were imposed at the peak of wildfire activity in the region, resulting in over 2,800 individuals being displaced from numerous communities. Current figures indicate that approximately 700 people are still under evacuation.
There are about 110 wildfires burning across the province, with seven remaining uncontrolled. As forest fire hazards have significantly reduced, the evacuation and implementation orders for wildfires like Thunder Bay 36, Thunder Bay 56, Dryden 34, and Dryden 35 will also be lifted on Thursday at 9 a.m.
This development allows for the resumption of travel, road usage, and access to lakes in these areas, enabling more than 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 Armstrong and Whitesand First Nation communities to facilitate the safe return of residents following the MNR’s updated orders.
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 restrictions are lifted, while other municipalities may choose to maintain their bans. He advised residents to check with their local fire departments regarding any ongoing municipal fire bans.
Anderson emphasized the importance of remaining cautious, as the wildfire season extends until October 31, and conditions can change rapidly despite recent improvements due to rainfall.
Residents of Thunder Bay can now light fires between 5 p.m. and midnight with a fire permit, ensuring a minimum distance of two meters from combustible materials. Anderson encouraged everyone to be vigilant and avoid starting wildfires, while also expressing excitement for the upcoming summer activities.
For the latest information on active wildfires and forest fire hazards, residents can visit Ontario’s interactive forest fire map online.
