A restricted fire zone (RFZ) that has been in place for northwestern Ontario and a small part of the northeast since July 15 will be lifted on Thursday morning.
Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) plans to officially remove the order at 12:01 a. m. ET.
While under a restricted fire zone, open-air burning, including campfires, is prohibited. Once it’s lifted, residents will be allowed to start fires no earlier than two hours before sunset and must put them out no later than two hours after sunrise. However, some areas like Thunder Bay have their own specific regulations regarding when fires can be lit.
The MNR appreciates everyone’s efforts in helping to prevent wildland fires and keeping communities safe. The ministry advises people to use extreme caution and adhere to Ontario’s Outdoor Fires Regulations, according to the provincial forest fire website.
“The province will continue to assess wildland fire hazard conditions, and an RFZ designation may be reinstated in higher-risk areas if the fire hazard and fire activity warrants it.”
The restrictions were introduced during a peak period for wildfires in the region, which displaced over 2,800 individuals from various communities. According to the latest figures from the province, just over 700 people are still under evacuation orders.
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Cots are seen at Fort William Gardens in Thunder Bay. It was turned into an evacuation centre in July due to the wildfires. (Marc Doucette/CBC)
Currently, around 110 wildfires are active across Ontario, with seven remaining uncontrolled.
As forest fire risks have significantly decreased, the evacuation orders related to wildfires known as Thunder Bay 36, Thunder Bay 56, Dryden 34, and Dryden 35 will also be lifted on Thursday at 9 a. m.
This means travel through roads and lakes in these regions will again be allowed, allowing more than 600 evacuees from Whitesand First Nation and Armstrong to return home.
Thunder Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stated there will be increased police presence on Highway 527 and within Armstrong and Whitesand First Nation communities to assist with residents’ safe return following updates on MNR’s Implementation Order and Evacuation Order as posted on Facebook Wednesday morning by OPP North West Region.
“Please drive carefully, patiently and adhere to the posted speed limits. Let’s work together to make sure everyone returns home safely.”
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As of Thursday at 12:01 a. m. ET, Thunder Bay residents can once again light fires as both the provincial restricted fire zone and local municipal ban are removed. (Sarah Law/CBC)
Citizens should check with their local fire departments for any ongoing municipal bans where they reside,” he advised.
Although extreme temperatures of up to 40 C experienced earlier this summer have returned closer to normal now,” we’re noticing increasing temperatures throughout both city areas and across Canada over time,” Anderson added.
He reminds everyone that wildfire season doesn’t officially end until October 31st; conditions can shift rapidly during this period.
“Every year is somewhat different; however all this recent rainfall has improved things considerably as everything has started greening up.”
This said,” even with all that rain,” much of it has been absorbed by dry ground.”
This Thursday in Thunder Bay allows fires between 5 p. m. until midnight; residents need permits for burning while ensuring it’s at least two meters away from anything flammable.”
“It’s essential that everyone remains cautious about not igniting any [wildfires], but it’s good news for everyone looking forward having some summer fun,” said Anderson.”
The latest details regarding active wildfires along with forest hazards can be found on Ontario’s interactive forest fire map online.
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Information on Fire Bans & Safe Burning Practices
Kevin Anderson is division chief of fire prevention at Thunder Bay Fire Rescue. Anderson mentioned that Thunder Bay will lift its municipal fire ban once the RFZ is revoked on Thursday; however, other municipalities might decide to maintain their bans. “Each municipality has the authority through the fire chief to implement a fire ban whenever they choose or lift it whenever they choose; but we usually try to align with [the MNR] just so we can support them with their resources.”Source link
