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) is planning 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 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 residents of the province for their efforts in preventing wildland fires and ensuring community safety. The ministry is urging people to exercise extreme caution and adhere to Ontario’s Outdoor Fires Regulations, as stated on the provincial forest fire website.
The decision to reinstate an RFZ designation in high-risk areas will be based on ongoing assessments of wildland fire hazard conditions and fire activities. The restrictions were imposed during the peak of the region’s wildfire incidents, leading to the displacement of over 2,800 individuals from multiple communities. Presently, approximately 700 people are still under evacuation.
There are currently around 110 active wildfires across the province, with seven of them remaining uncontained. As forest fire risks have significantly reduced, the evacuation orders for 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 development will allow for the resumption of travel on roads and lakes in these areas, enabling more than 600 evacuees from Whitesand First Nation and Armstrong to return home. The Thunder Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have announced increased police presence on Highway 527 and in 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 upon the revocation of the RFZ on Thursday. However, other communities may choose to maintain their fire bans. Residents are advised to check with their local fire departments for information on ongoing municipal fire bans.
Anderson emphasized that despite the recent improvement in conditions due to rain, the wildfire season extends until October 31, and situations can change rapidly. He urged residents to remain cautious to avoid starting wildfires and to comply with safety protocols.
Residents of Thunder Bay will be allowed to have fires between 5 p.m. and midnight starting Thursday, provided they have a fire permit and ensure that the fire is at least two meters away from any combustibles. The interactive forest fire map online from Ontario offers the most up-to-date information on active wildfires and forest fire hazards.