The restricted fire zone (RFZ) that was enforced in northwestern Ontario and a small part of the northeast since July 15 is scheduled to be removed on Thursday morning.
Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) intends to officially cancel the order at 12:01 a.m. ET.
During a restricted fire zone, all open-air burning, including campfires, is prohibited. Once 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 guidelines regarding fire ignition.
The MNR expresses gratitude to the residents of the province “for their efforts in preventing wildland fires and ensuring community safety.” The ministry advises people to exercise extreme caution and adhere to Ontario’s Outdoor Fires Regulations, as stated by the provincial forest fire website.
“The province will continuously evaluate wildland fire hazard conditions, and a RFZ designation may be reinstated in high-risk areas if deemed necessary due to fire hazard and activity,” the ministry mentioned.
The restrictions were imposed during the peak of wildfire activity in the region, resulting in over 2,800 individuals being displaced from more than a dozen communities. The most recent figures from the province indicate that slightly over 700 individuals are still under evacuation.
There are approximately 110 wildfires burning across the province, with seven of them remaining uncontrolled.
As forest fire risks have significantly reduced, the evacuation and implementation orders for wildfires referred to as Thunder Bay 36, Thunder Bay 56, Dryden 34, and Dryden 35 will also be lifted on Thursday at 9 a.m.
This means that travel and access to roads and lakes in these areas will be permitted, and more than 600 evacuees from Whitesand First Nation and Armstrong can return home.
Thunder Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) mentioned that there will be increased police presence on Highway 527 and in the communities of Armstrong and Whitesand First Nation to assist in the safe return of residents following the updates to the MNR’s Implementation Order and Evacuation Order, as announced by OPP North West Region on Facebook on Wednesday morning.
“Please drive cautiously, patiently, and adhere to the posted speed limits. Let’s collaborate to ensure everyone returns home safely.”
Fire bans, safe burning practices
Kevin Anderson, the division chief of fire prevention at Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, stated that Thunder Bay will lift its local fire ban once the RFZ is lifted on Thursday, although other municipalities may choose to maintain their fire bans.
“Every municipality has the authority, through the fire chief, to impose or lift a fire ban at their discretion. However, we usually align with [the MNR] to show our support for them and their resources.”
