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. 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 the restriction is lifted, individuals will be permitted to start fires no earlier than two hours before sunset and must extinguish them no later than two hours after sunrise. However, specific rules regarding fire ignition times exist in certain municipalities like Thunder Bay.
The MNR appreciates the efforts of residents in the province in preventing wildland fires and safeguarding communities. The ministry urges people to exercise extreme caution and adhere to Ontario’s Outdoor Fires Regulations, as stated on the provincial forest fire website.
The restrictions were implemented during the peak of wildfire activity in the region, resulting in over 2,800 individuals being displaced from more than a dozen communities. Recent data from the province indicates that slightly more than 700 people are still under evacuation.
Around 110 wildfires are currently active across the province, with seven of them remaining uncontrolled. As forest fire risks have significantly decreased, the evacuation and implementation orders for wildfires such as Thunder Bay 36, Thunder Bay 56, Dryden 34, and Dryden 35 will also be lifted on Thursday at 9 a.m.
This development will allow travel, road usage, and access to lakes in these areas, enabling over 600 evacuees from Whitesand First Nation and Armstrong to return home. Thunder Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have announced increased police presence in specified areas for the safe return of residents.
Kevin Anderson, division chief of fire prevention at Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, mentioned that Thunder Bay will lift its municipal fire ban once the RFZ is revoked, although other municipalities may opt to maintain their bans. Residents are advised to check with their local fire departments for updates on municipal fire bans.
As temperatures normalize following earlier spikes, Anderson emphasized the importance of recognizing that the wildfire season lasts until October 31 and conditions can change rapidly. Despite recent rainfall improving conditions, the ground remains dry, warranting continued caution.
Residents of Thunder Bay can now light fires between 5 p.m. and midnight, provided they obtain a fire permit and ensure safe burning practices. The interactive forest fire map online by Ontario provides real-time updates on active wildfires and fire hazards.
