The City of Thunder Bay and Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) are warning people in northwestern Ontario to be careful with fire-related activities during the August long weekend.
A restricted fire zone (RFZ) is still in place until further notice for the entire northwest and a small part of the northeast regions due to rising wildfire activity, current fire load, and efforts to minimize human-caused wildfires, according to Alison Bezubiak, a fire information officer with AFFES.
“The forest fire danger rating is mainly moderate to high across the region today [Thursday], and recent rain has brought significant lightning activity,” Bezubiak said.
“Forest fuels remain very dry and prone to holdover ignitions caused by lightning. In some cases, lightning can spark deep-burning fires on or below the forest floor that stay hidden for several days.”
As conditions dry out after a storm, she noted that these holdover fires can become visible and spread, with new lightning-induced fires potentially showing up even a week later.
“With warm, dry days ahead, our staff will keep an eye on the landscape for new starts following recent storm activity and increased fire behavior,” Bezubiak added.
As the long weekend approaches, Bezubiak encourages everyone to exercise extreme caution during all outdoor activities and review the rules that apply in an RFZ.
She mentioned that anyone responsible for a fire started by fireworks could face charges under the Wildland Fire Management Act and might have to cover all costs associated with extinguishing it.
It’s also crucial to check with local municipalities in case they’ve put additional fire bans in place beyond the RFZ since local regulations may be stricter, Bezubiak pointed out.
The overall fire hazard has decreased somewhat according to him but it’s wise for people still be prepared just in case something happens.
“Maybe you’re living in more rural areas where a nearby blaze could be approaching-it’s always good practice being ready if you need move fast,” he advised.
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Fire Bans Still Active in Thunder Bay and Surrounding Areas
A fire ban was initiated for Thunder Bay due to extreme fire hazards as of July 14. Similar to the RFZ, this ban prohibits open-air burning within designated areas’ boundaries including campfires and recreational wood fires. All existing fire permits are also suspended. “Sparks can fly around and maybe get bigger, plus wind might carry them off. That’s why those types of fires are banned,” explained Kevin Anderson, division chief of fire prevention at Thunder Bay Fire Rescue. Currently, Anderson stated that no fireworks are allowed in the city either. “Events like baseball games that have special occasion fire permits have all been canceled until we lift the ban,” Anderson noted while emphasizing that fireworks aren’t permitted even in residents’ backyards. Additionally, he advised people to be careful when smoking by ensuring they properly extinguish cigarette butts in wet containers rather than outdoor ashtrays or buckets that could catch fire easily. However, propane or natural gas fire bowls and tables as well as enclosed wood-burning stoves – like pizza ovens used for cooking – wood boilers or saunas – along with fuel-fired and charcoal barbecues are still permitted according to Anderson’s statement. As we head into August’s long weekend, he reminds everyone not to light open fires while being very cautious if using barbecues or any propane appliances – keep them away from anything flammable, follow manufacturer instructions closely especially if it’s windy outside.” “Although we’re getting some rain today [Thursday].. that’s going to help; there still are many active fires around. So we’ll keep this ban until that risk drops,” Anderson remarked.Resources Strained Across Multiple Fires
“There’s a lack of resources because there are so many fires. So any other additional fire would just be really strenuous on resources. So any one we can avoid is just all the better so crews can catch up.” said Anderson.The overall fire hazard has decreased somewhat according to him but it’s wise for people still be prepared just in case something happens.
“Maybe you’re living in more rural areas where a nearby blaze could be approaching-it’s always good practice being ready if you need move fast,” he advised.
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