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) intends to officially cancel the order at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time.
During a restricted fire zone, all open-air burning, including campfires, is prohibited. Once the restriction is 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, specific rules for fire ignition may apply in certain municipalities like Thunder Bay.
The MNR is expressing gratitude to the residents of the province for their efforts in preventing wildland fires and ensuring community safety. The ministry is emphasizing the importance of exercising extreme caution and adhering to Ontario’s Outdoor Fires Regulations, as stated on the provincial forest fire website.
The implementation of restrictions occurred at the peak of wildfire activity in the region, resulting in over 2,800 individuals being displaced from multiple communities. Current reports indicate that approximately 700 people are still under evacuation.
There are about 110 wildfires burning across the province, with seven remaining uncontrolled. As forest fire risks have significantly decreased, the evacuation and implementation orders for wildfires in areas such as Thunder Bay 36, Thunder Bay 56, Dryden 34, and Dryden 35 will also be lifted on Thursday at 9 a.m.
Residents from Whitesand First Nation and Armstrong, totaling over 600 evacuees, will be allowed to return home as travel and access to roads and lakes in these areas will be permitted. The Thunder Bay Ontario Provincial Police are preparing for this return by increasing their presence to ensure a safe transition for residents.
Kevin Anderson, division chief of fire prevention at Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, mentioned that Thunder Bay will lift its municipal fire ban following the RFZ revocation on Thursday. Local fire departments will provide updates on any remaining municipal fire bans in effect.
While temperatures have returned to normal levels after reaching extremes earlier this summer, vigilance is still necessary as wildfire season extends until October 31. Residents are urged to stay informed and cautious as conditions can change rapidly.
For those in Thunder Bay, fires will be allowed between 5 p.m. and midnight starting Thursday, with the requirement of a fire permit and a safe distance from combustibles. The interactive forest fire map online by Ontario provides real-time information on active wildfires and fire hazards.