A restricted fire zone (RFZ) in northwestern Ontario and a small part of the northeast that was put in place from July 15 will be lifted on Thursday morning. Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) will officially remove the order at 12:01 a.m. ET. During the RFZ period, no open-air burning, including campfires, was allowed. Once the restriction is lifted, people will be permitted to light 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 times may still 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 emphasized the importance of exercising caution and adhering to Ontario’s Outdoor Fires Regulations as mentioned on the provincial forest fire website. The MNR warned that a RFZ designation may be reinstated in high-risk areas depending on fire hazard conditions and activities.
The fire restrictions were implemented at the peak of wildfire incidents in the region, which led to the displacement of over 2,800 individuals from multiple communities. Currently, around 700 people are still under evacuation orders. Approximately 110 wildfires are currently active in the province, with seven of them remaining uncontrolled.
As forest fire hazards have significantly reduced, 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 decision allows for the resumption of travel, road usage, and lake activities in these areas, enabling more than 600 evacuees from Whitesand First Nation and Armstrong to return home.
Thunder Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) announced increased police presence on Highway 527 and in the communities of Armstrong and Whitesand First Nation to ensure a safe return for residents following the update 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 would lift its municipal fire ban once the RFZ is revoked, although other communities may choose to maintain their bans. Anderson highlighted that each municipality has the authority to impose or lift fire bans under the guidance of the fire chief, with efforts made to align with MNR regulations.
Residents are advised to check with their local fire departments to confirm the status of municipal fire bans in their areas. Despite the recent rain improving conditions, Anderson emphasized that the wildfire season continues until October 31 and conditions can change rapidly. Proper precautions, such as obtaining fire permits and maintaining distance from combustibles during burning, are crucial to prevent wildfires.
Residents in Thunder Bay can now light fires between 5 p.m. and midnight, following the lifting of the RFZ and local fire ban. Safety measures and caution are still advised to prevent wildfire incidents. The interactive forest fire map of Ontario provides up-to-date information on active wildfires and fire hazards.